Like all good Whanganui men, Andrew returned to his home town. With his wife, Carolyn and three young children, they brought a broadened perspective on the world and a bold sense of what design could be.
It was with these sensibilities that Andrew & Carolyn purchased and then set about adapting, this 1908 Villa to suit their family’s needs.
“When we first saw the house, we quickly saw the opportunity to retain the grandeur of the architectural features of old, and at the same time put a contemporary and even daring addition to the tired parts…so we did!” (Carolyn).
First up, remove an earlier lean-to addition, then recreate the kitchen in a cube, ‘grown’ from the foundation wall bricks. A glazed link made better use of the billiards room, with a workroom for Carolyn’s jewellery business & the laundry finding a new home within its walls. The bathroom also received a makeover, bringing natural light down over the lavish bath, lifting the daily ritual of cleansing to one of relaxation and luxury.
“Duncan, from Black Pine Architects, very quickly worked out our slightly unconventional style. He offered alternative ideas (including the initial concept of rubber cladding!) and eventually through his meticulous attention to design detail, delivered an incredible space and transformed our living” (Andrew)
The completed addition & renovation is the result of thoroughly involved clients: From cleaning up preloved bricks, to creating beautiful & unique light fittings, Andrew & Carolyn were active participants in every step of the project.
Tawhiri Pohio, Renovation Superhero at Renoman Ltd and his subcontractor team also went the extra mile and then some, to create an outstanding result.
In May the New Zealand Institute of Architects recognised the project by presenting an award in the 2017 Western Architecture Awards, a wonderful achievement and recognition of the effort put in by everyone!
“Creating a light-filled interstitial space that ‘healed’ the existing disconnect, then linking that to the outdoors is a simple and effective move. The repurposing of found materials from the site gives the project a narrative. The project has been achieved with modesty and simplicity. “
Do you have a similar project in mind? Contact us today to discuss the possibilities.
