Building beauty that lasts
Brooksfield Homes has created a new look to Christchurch’s residential architecture, with classically designed homes.
People are drawn to old homes, says Vincent Holloway, co-director of Brooksfield Homes.
Christchurch’s redevelopment hasn’t been confined to the commercial heart of the city. With the influx of people and businesses, there’s also been a renewed need for beautiful, enduring homes. That’s where Brooksfield comes in.
Vincent and his business partner Oliver founded the company in 2019, right here in Christchurch. Both had backgrounds in development, but after a visit to the historic home of Christchurch architect Heathcote Helmore and a trip abroad, they saw an opportunity – to bring thoughtfully designed Georgian, Colonial, and Edwardian-inspired homes and townhouses into the modern era.
They’ve since partnered with one of the UK’s leading designers of classical architecture, Ben Pentreath, whose prestigious portfolio includes royal commissions and the 2024 Richard H. Driehaus Prize for classical architecture. Together, they’ve created a distinctive architectural language for Brooksfield – timeless, character-rich, and built to endure.
Their projects range from charming weatherboard cottages to London-style brick townhouses, each reflecting a sense of depth, simplicity, and proportion. “A lot of people like older homes,” says Vincent. “For 3,000 years we built in the classical style – a few wars interrupted that – but we know symmetry, rhythm, and everything that is pleasing to the human eye is desirable. The key to any architecture is depth, simplicity, and detail.”
But Brooksfield’s focus isn’t just aesthetic. Longevity is at the heart of every decision. “We build from quality materials,” says Vincent. “We do everything in a way that’s proven to last – simple roofs, corrugated iron, nice steep slopes, a slight overhang to keep the water off, and bricks or timber weatherboards as cladding. We minimise junctions – the most delicate part of a building.”
He believes that beauty is what ultimately inspires care and pride. “Homes need to be made of good materials, designed to keep them watertight – but they also need to look beautiful. That’s the biggest driver for people to look after them. In my mind, people build attachment to beautiful, classically designed homes. Even our tenants take pride.”
The Brooksfield aesthetic is instantly recognisable: symmetrical façades, weatherboard or brick construction, pastel colours, colonial windows with PVC frames, and lightweight chimneys – all paired with modern performance features like solar panels and double glazing.
Now, Brooksfield is turning its attention to a new phase – mixed-use developments that blend commercial and residential space. “We ultimately want to create communities,” says Vincent. “Places where people can work, live, and hang out.”
A leading example is their upcoming 305 Montreal Street development, which includes six architecturally designed apartments above a corner store – an elegant blend of lifestyle and practicality.
Brooksfield has also embraced restoration, making its home in one of Christchurch’s heritage treasures. Their offices on Bealey Avenue occupy the former Eliza’s Manor, a Victorian residence lovingly returned to its original paintwork and revived gardens, based on historic aerial photographs.
Vincent says Brooksfield is committed to firmly building for the future – creating homes of beauty, durability, and pride for a new generation of Christchurch residents, with even more exciting developments in the future.