With a clear contemporary style, muted colour palette and clean lines, this original 1980’s Wanaka home has been renovated into a modern interpretation of the traditional Cape Cod vernacular. Crisp in its form, with four gabled roof forms, it extends out with a flat louvre roof structure housing a new exterior room and giving the home privacy and shelter from the summer setting sun.

A myriad of juxtaposition, horizontal louvres accentuate the lower part of the exterior while above them, the differing heights of the four gabled structures create an asymmetrical yet balanced form.

Operable louvred doors allow for varying levels of protection from the elements, and a loose distinction between interior and exterior living.

Inside, muted light colours emphasize the large living areas, accompanied by crisp, symmetrically laid tiling. A subway-tiled splashback and emphasis on light tones creates an airy, relaxed aesthetic in the kitchen and dining, which leads into the main living area that is distinct in its carpeted floor and more cosy feel where a fire is the main focal point.

This room is framed by louvres that open completely to the outside room, where further louvres mean the areas can be extended into a large seamless indoor/outdoor living area, or closed off to create separate spaces.

Creams and whites prevail throughout the interior, while outside, the landscaping resembles an English cottage garden style, with predominantly green and white planting.

It’s charming in its traditional elements, but the contemporary aspects pull the design together to create a modern oasis not without a clear sense of history.