This original 110sqm cottage has stood proud in Lowry Bay with beachfront views for almost 100 years but was in dire need of restoration. In fact, the house was in such bad shape that demolition was considered. Thankfully, the owner was keen to retain as much of the original as possible. He loved the façade with the dormer windows and massive chimney standing proud over the roof. The goal was to design the additions and alterations as the original architect Bernard Johns might have envisioned.

Callidus Architects visited as many Bernard Johns-designed houses as possible and researched his style along with the arts and craft style of that era. The client wished for modern aspects to the project, so the challenge was to successfully introduce modern considerations while maintaining the character of the house. Craftsmen on site replicated architraves, scotias and skirting boards to match the original. To create flow in the house without compromising style, Callidus Architects looked to an architectural study done in the United States looking at the effects of design to create flow. The answer was creating internal windows and panel walls that can be opened or closed, so while the heritage features are present you also achieve the flow and views.

The kitchen and wet rooms are ultra-modern with clean lines and nothing visible, not even handles, so the lines are strikingly stark against the overall design of the build. Lighting in the kitchen is recessed so the view through to the sea is unobstructed.

The substantial home is now 380sqm over two storeys, with four bedrooms in the main house and a separate guest wing behind.

The Trends International Design Awards in 2015 saw Callidus Architects receive a Highly Commended award for this house in the Architect-designed Bathroom section.