NORF

GENERATION FLEX Anyone who has teenagers will understand the need for a home that is bigger than 100 square metres. When the owners bought their 1920s bungalow 16 years ago, adolescent antics weren’t part of the priority list. They just knew that the Ponsonby house was in a great location to walk or bike to work in town – and it fell within their budget. It was a no-brainer. At only 300 square metres, the site was tight, but Box™ devised a way to deliver big on the remaining ground. In the original bungalow, the dining area was retained but a new wall was built around a section of the lounge to create a separate TV room.  The galley kitchen was demolished, and the footprint extended over the former lawn to accommodate a bigger, brighter kitchen with an island bench plus a living room where the owners relax in the evenings. A new master suite is a step up from this extended living zone. The extension wraps around a west-facing deck which gets frequent use on summer evenings and makes the home feel even bigger. Raised garden beds for herbs – and corn – were on the owners wish-list and a separate room for bike storage – there are seven bikes in all – is tucked in behind the master suite and can be accessed from the deck. The sweet little house the couple fell in love almost two decades ago is all grown up. And with the extra flexibility of space, there’s no doubt it will be part of the whanau for some time to come. Photography: Sophie Heyworth