By Becroft Howie Architects Ltd
This timber bungalow was in need of a complete make-over. The house still had many original features and was in a reasonable condition. But the interior was dark and uninviting, with no connection to the spacious rear garden other than via a dilapidated laundry. The clients’ brief was to modernise the home to provide two living areas, a spacious kitchen and laundry, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Generous indoor/outdoor living was essential, especially as there are great views from the rear garden.
The finished result was a complete transformation; the main living space was relocated to the rear with a modest extension to the main roofline, which was opened up internally to create a large, spacious family room with dining and kitchen adjacent, all opening to the garden. The existing front room was retained as a separate sitting room. The main bedroom was relocated to the former dining area and also extended to include a dressing area and ensuite bathroom. The three original bedrooms were retained and completely renovated with additional windows and wardrobes. Joinery throughout was designed to match the original bungalow detailing as the house is located in a heritage zone.
Structural Engineer: Ross Douglas, Thurlow Consulting Engineers
Builder: Marc Smyth Building Services Ltd
Becroft Howie Architects is a registered NZIA Practice committed to innovative, responsive and sustainable architectural design. The practice aims to promote the Vitruvian ideals of “firmness, commodity and delight” with a pinch of Kiwi ingenuity. We seek out opportunities for sustainable design - via creative repurposing of existing construction elements, whenever possible, and by consciously promoting architecture that is an authentic response to the site, context and our clients’ brief and budget.