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Open-plan living, views and sunshine were at the top of the list to turn the client’s home into a place of relaxation, perfect for a social summer’s afternoon.

The 1910’s villa is situated with stunning views across Karori toward Makara Peak and the surrounding Skyline track. Orientated east-west with the land elevated above the street, and falling toward the west. The home was poorly organised for the potential sun, views and entertaining possibilities it had to offer.

The bathroom took up the prime corner of the house, limiting the connection to the garden, views and sun to the living. The existing low windows and verandah cut off the view and sun, adding to the problem. Additionally, the bedrooms and bathroom opened directly from the informal living and kitchen.

The project was driven by a desire for an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with capacity to host large dinner parties. To connect with the deck and garden and make the most of the view and afternoon sun. The reorganization of space was also driven to create better separation of the living area from the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Restructuring the existing bedrooms to the east and the living to the west created the opportunity for a large open-plan space and optimization of the sun and views. The east to west axis as determined by the existing entrance and hallway celebrates the new open connection out. Large glazed doors extended the space to the deck and garden below. Complimented by a new glazed canopy to allow for light in and views out.

The renovation re-ordered the home to make the most of the living opportunities for a light, bright open space to relax and enjoy.

Collaborators:

  • Kitchen designer: Jan Willis, Peter Howley Joinery
  • Structural engineer: Sawrey Consulting Engineers Ltd
  • Contractor: Namloc Build Ltd

Photography credit: Paul McCredie

Wright & Gray Architects Ltd
Wellington
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation
Karori Renovation

Professionals used in
Karori Renovation

About the
Professional

Wright & Gray Architects Ltd is a Wellington-based, 8-person practice working locally and throughout New Zealand.

Directors John Wright and Travis Gray have over 50 years of experience between them.

Our residential work includes high-value renovations, new houses and multi-unit housing. Commercial and institutional work includes offices, industrial, healthcare and education.

We believe that adaptive reuse of existing buildings is a key to sustainability, and we have vast experience in the end-to-end renovation and repurposing of both housing and commercial buildings.

The range of our projects is diverse, but to each and every one we bring the same strong ethic of service.

We are "Architects who listen".

No two Wright & Gray projects look the same. We work closely with our clients to design buildings that are a great fit with their aspirations, location and their means.

Our clients say that we are great to work with, and many come back to us again.

They tell us that the appreciate the quality of our design, good communication, the respect for their budget, and our experienced oversight of their building projects. The finished results often exceed their expectations and provide many years of enjoyment and delight.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.