Wakatu

Wakatu Residence is a four-bedroom luxury home developed by Graham Crust and GCA Studio on a prominent coastal site in Christchurch. Designed during the uncertainty following the Canterbury earthquakes, the project sought to create a refined family residence that maximised its exceptional outlook while maintaining a strong sense of privacy and shelter.

The design balances expansive sea views with a series of protected outdoor spaces, including an intimate walled garden that strengthens the relationship between the house and its landscape setting.

The project demonstrates GCA Studio’s capability in bespoke residential design, combining architectural quality, site responsiveness and lifestyle-focused planning. The project received a Master Builders Award and led to the subsequent commission for the client’s Christchurch headquarters.