A study in contrast: A black-and-white beauty in Point Chevalier

15 June 2025

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A striking fusion of heritage charm and contemporary living, this Point Chevalier home by Macfie Architecture balances a classic white bungalow with a bold black modern extension.

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Macfie Architecture

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Joanna Seton

On a generous double section in the heart of Point Chevalier, where the land leans gently toward the water's edge, something quietly remarkable unfolds. At the front, a pristinely restored 1920s bungalow stands bright white against the sky—graceful, familiar. But step beyond the threshold and the home reveals its secret: a dramatic, modern wing cloaked in black corrugated steel, where ceilings soar, concrete glimmers underfoot, and the rhythm of contemporary family life takes centre stage.

For Macfie Architecture, the tension between past and present is not something to be reconciled—it’s something to be celebrated. “The exterior juxtaposition of the bright white heritage bungalow and the new black entertainment wing… perfectly honours the existing bungalow and its character,” says Rebecca Macfie, “it’s how Kiwis like to live their lives now, offering a transition of indoor and outdoor, to gather and play.”

From the road front, the bungalow retains its original facade.

The addition of a pool creates a resort feel.

There is a pleasant synchronicity between the original character bungalow and the sharp, contemporary extension.

The project began with a simple yet bold brief. The clients (a young family with a passion for entertaining) wanted a home that respected the original character of the bungalow, while embracing an open-plan lifestyle. “Our clients wanted to create an open plan living concept, while maintaining the bungalow’s character features,” Macfie explains.

Rather than demolish or drastically alter the original structure, Macfie Architecture kept the footprint of the bungalow intact, transforming it into a private bedroom wing. Three generous bedrooms, bathrooms, and a master suite now occupy the front portion of the home. From here, a glass corridor becomes the hinge point—physically and conceptually—between old and new.

New seamlessly links with the original home through the wide central hallway and a monochromatic palette.

The dramatic kitchen combines traditional marble with dark cabinetry.

The view of the outdoor living space and pool creates a sense of being at a retreat.

Stepping down into the rear extension is like stepping into another world. The ceilings lift, light floods in, and the palette shifts to polished concrete, minimalist black cabinetry, and wide, full-height stacking doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. “A fireplace and lounge flow onto the large dining space and black kitchen,” Macfie says. “The kitchen holds a large walk-in scullery behind secret pocket doors, as well as a powder room and cellar space.”

The layout unfolds deliberately, revealing itself in layers. The original entryway and lounge have been carefully restored, their heritage details now rendered in white. These give way to the new entertainment wing, where modern materials and a more minimalist aesthetic take hold. “Bright white and clean, the interiors serve as a backdrop to an incredible art and furniture collection,” Macfie notes.

The original bay window at the front of the house was retained, and the white space is elevated with a bold rug and artwork.

The master bedroom now features a built-in office space and floor-to-ceiling drapes.

The family bathroom embraces a low-contrast look, with a large white type and pale, floor-to-ceiling tiles.

Outside, the contrast continues. The crisp white weatherboards of the original bungalow gleam in the sun, while the black cladding of the rear addition absorbs the light. Between them lies a courtyard-style oasis: an in-situ concrete fireplace, a pool and spa, and ample space for alfresco dining and lounging. “Large full-length stacking doors open to the pool and spa from the kitchen space, and from the dining space onto the in-situ fireplace and outdoor entertainment and BBQ area,” Macfie says.

As with any architectural dance between heritage and innovation, there were moments of challenge. “There were a few tricky engineering junctions,” Macfie admits, “but working with Intact Construction saw it executed with ease.” Indeed, Intact Construction played a key role throughout, from the finely poured concrete floors to the robust construction of the outdoor fire.

A boy's bedroom keeps the backdrop simple and the furnishings bold.

A monochromatic palette is soothing yet high impact in this bedroom.

A modern lounge with gas fireplace is part of the new addition, offering a cosy second space.

In the end, it’s more than a beautiful home—it’s a reflection of changing ways of living, embedded in its Point Chevalier setting. And the clients couldn’t be happier. “They say it’s the perfect party house and space to raise a growing family in beautiful Point Chevalier.”

For Macfie Architecture, this project embodies the best of both worlds: respect for legacy, and an unapologetic embrace of modern life.

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