This three-storey duplex family home was originally a single level semi- detached state house which had undergone a series of alterations by former owners. The current owners needed more space for their growing family, and a much more unified interior and exterior living area.
Our response was to open up the lower floor area to provide new bedrooms, a family living area and dedicated laundry to replace the warren of small, thermally challenged rooms. The existing decking blocked light and was well past its best-by date.
Once all the defective structures were removed it became clear that the lower floor foundations would need to be entirely re-built. Funds allocated for the main floor were diverted to major repairs. But our clients were able to complete the necessary work and install a new kitchen, elegant bi-folding doors and a lovely large timber deck to both the main and lower levels. A tricky but very worthwhile transformation.
Structural Engineer: Charles Sue, Law Sue Davison Ltd
Builder: DEC Construction 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.