By Mackit Architecture
The owners of this property fell in love with the beautiful established garden and charming two bedroom historic cottage.
Unfortunately a previously added rear extension was not structurally sound and required a complete rebuild. This was a great opportunity to improve the way the extension integrated with the rest of the cottage’s aesthetic, as well as it’s layout.
The gable roof and weatherboards of the original dwelling were echoed to provide a completely integrated result. Existing timber joinery was repaired and reused and a beautiful matai floor hidden beneath carpet was restored to its former glory. A modern minimalist kitchen and bathroom were designed and crafted, with large skylights to provide natural light. Relining and insulating the existing areas completed the transformation into a light, bright, small but perfectly-formed space.
"We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the project and the way the spirit of the cottage has been preserved. For us, significant aspects of the project were:
We have no hesitation in recommending Mackit to anyone and have every confidence in you as we look forward to the next project.”
Ann & Bruce McLean
James Mackie is an architectural designer, predominantly (but not exclusively) servicing the Wellington/Wairarapa region out of his busy Greytown design office. He founded his company Mackit Architecture in 2008, with a goal to fill the niche for bespoke modern homes that can be built efficiently and precisely.
Being a registered designer with Architectural Designers New Zealand and a Licensed Building Practitioner in both design and carpentry, James has a unique edge when it comes to designing homes for discerning clients. Through the application of both his building and design knowledge, he can bridge the gap between complex high-level design and the practical reality of its construction.
Inspired by the effect the built environment has on one’s self, James loves opportunities to enrich existence by creating high quality, beautifully designed spaces. Crucially, James’ incredible building knowledge also means that his plans are always expertly detailed and thought out – essentially he has already built the house in his head during the design process.