If you're contemplating whether to involve an architect in your renovation project, we believe the answer is quite clear. But don't just take our word for it! Jess and Scott from Scott Brown Carpentry explain why they chose to collaborate with us and discuss the value of good design in a renovation project.

Our proposed design aims to enhance the space's exposure to northern light and connect to the garden, elevating this 1950s house to a new level of thermal comfort and ventilation. All of this while maintaining our strong commitment to minimising carbon footprint (for instance, we opted for an 8-meter long LVL timber beam instead of the traditional steel, sourced recycled materials, and retrofitted existing windows where possible). We've greatly expanded the sense of spaciousness in the living areas, all while preserving the original footprint, ensuring they are optimised for contemporary living.

Scott, an exceptional builder with meticulous attention to detail, also happens to be an experienced YouTuber with over 350,000 followers. He's the client and builder documenting the entire journey which is a great source of information and entertainment for all you DIYers out there and those curious about what it takes to renovate your home in an eco-conscious way. The reno is not finished yet and Jess and Scott are tirelessly working on their project. Check out Scott Brown Carpentry on YouTube to follow their progress.

While it's always thrilling to design a new building, we have a deep appreciation for renovation projects. Given that 50% of Aotearoa's landfill waste originates from construction and demolition, and the average conventional new home construction generates 4 tonnes of waste, it's essential to recognise that renovation and adaptive reuse are often the most sustainable and low-carbon solutions. A combination of creativity and expertise in healthy material retrofits and thermal performance can extend the lifespan of those houses with ‘good bones’, ensuring they continue to shelter future generations for decades to come.

Location: Richmond
Stage: Under Construction, 2023
Builders: Scott Brown Carpentry
Consultants: AMK Consulting Engineers
Follow the project’s progress on Scott’s YouTube channel