Bathroom Renovation, Napier

The family bathroom in this bungalow built around 1920 was last remodelled 32 years ago, by renowned architect Paris Magdalinos. Fast forward three decades and it was time for a total makeover.

The homeowner requested a new bath to replace the one that was removed in the previous renovation, along with a better quality of light. It was important to respect the style of the bungalow, which features a lot of native timbers. It also has an Art Deco heritage, as a result of work done following the Napier earthquake in 1931.

Oiled western red cedar, in irregular-depth shiplap, was chosen for its visual warmth, texture and similarity to native timbers in the house. The cedar forms a band around the top of the room, which is like an inverted version of the way wood panelling was used originally around the base of a room, and uplighting enhances the visual warmth of the timber.

The cedar is teamed with fresh white 100mm x 300mm tiles, which line the vanity wall and the wet area shower. Semi-freestanding walls separate the shower from the toilet, vanity and bathtub are clad in grey finger mosaic tiles.

A pared-back pedestal vanity with a chrome stand offers another link to the past, but it is teamed with contemporary tapware and a modern, wall-hung toilet.

An existing tall window, designed by Paris Magdalinos to frame a Norfolk pine view, extends to the ceiling bringing in plenty of natural light.