How Build Right Transformed a Christchurch Townhouse with a Stunning Conservatory

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The Backstory: Urban Living with a Missing Piece

Maggie Horne’s St Albans townhouse was perfectly positioned for Christchurch’s vibrant lifestyle – close to cafes, the central city, and the Avon River. But like many compact urban homes, it lacked a seamless connection to the outdoors.

“I loved my location, but I craved a space where I could breathe, read, and watch the seasons change,” Maggie recalls. Dreaming about a sun-filled retreat where she could relax with a glass of wine, she approached Build Right, Christchurch’s renovation specialists.

How Build Right Transformed a Christchurch Townhouse with a Stunning Conservatory

Posted on by Happy Monday Support
St Albans conservatory extension

Why Build Right? More Than Just Builders

Build Right stood out for Maggie after her extensive research. Founded in 2004 by Rex Lawrence and led by a team of Registered Master Builders, their reputation for blending architectural vision with practical craftsmanship resonated.

As Maggie says: “From the first consultation, they listened. No pushy sales tactics—just honest, creative solutions tailored to my townhouse’s constraints and my vision.”

Their design-build approach meant Maggie worked with a single team from sketch to completion, removing the stress of co-ordinating architects, engineers, and builders separately.

The Vision: A Conservatory That Feels Like Home

Maggie’s brief was simple but profound:

  • Create a bright, weatherproof space for relaxation, reading, and indoor plants
  • Maximise natural light without overheating in summer
  • Ensure seamless integration with the existing townhouse architecture
  • Add value to her property without overwhelming the compact section

Build Right’s solution? A timeless glass conservatory with: 

  • Thermally broken aluminium framing to prevent condensation—a must in
    Christchurch’s variable climate
  • Low-E glazing to minimise UV damage while retaining warmth
  • Sliding bifold doors opening to the courtyard, blurring indoor/outdoor boundaries

The Transformation: More Than Just Square Metres

Today, Maggie’s conservatory is the heart of her home. The results exceeded her
expectations:

“It’s not just a room – it’s my mental health sanctuary. On rainy days, I listen to the droplets on the glass. In winter, I’m warm without the heater running constantly.”

FeatureImpact
Year-round usabilityAmbient temperature maintained via passive solar design
Space amplification25% increase in functional living area
Lifestyle upgradeWinter coffee with frost and rain views, evening wine to relax
Property valueConservatory additions yield ~10-15% ROI in Christchurch’s market

Why Build Right Excels at Complex Urban Projects

Maggie’s project underscores Build Right’s unique strengths in Christchurch’s rebuild landscape:

1. Collaborative DNA 
Build Right prioritises client partnership. Maggie’s input shaped material choices, sightlines, and ensured 100% satisfaction with the end result.  

2. Golden Thread” Communication 
Maggie never dealt with subcontractor confusion. Sam Harris served as her single point of contact – a policy Build Right enforces to reduce stress .  

3. Sustainable Sensibility
Low-E glass and thermally efficient materials align with Christchurch’s push toward resilient, energy-smart homes .

Your Invitation: From Vision to Reality

Inspired by Maggie’s experience? Build Right offers free home consultations to explore how intelligent design can transform your Christchurch property. Whether it’s a conservatory, kitchen, or full renovation, their team blends local expertise with genuine craftsmanship.

“Don’t compromise – build once, build right.” Rex Lawrence, Founder
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Schedule Your Consultation: 03 323 5771