2018 ADNZ NATIONAL AWARD WINNER

The existing home was an original Californian Bungalow with beautiful features but in dire need of restoration & additional floor space to cater for a growing family.

The dwelling is located on a sizable site in a characterful & exclusive area of Hamilton.  Tucked away along a charming, tree lined laneway, the elevated North facing site provided an ideal platform for the homes complete overhaul.

Our client’s number 1 priority was achieving a Huka Lodge aesthetic!  They communicated a strong desire for a renovation sympathetic to the homes original character whilst injecting modern day luxuries.  Also, a generous extension to the homes rear, the incorporation of a second level for a master retreat & the addition of grand quadruple car garaging (and attic).

Specific client requests:

·         Huka Lodge ‘flavour’.

·         Vaulted ceilings with timber paneling & roof beams to main living area.

·         Large open plan kitchen (& scullery), dining & living space with a strong connection to extensive outdoor entertaining areas.

·         Boy’s bedrooms to include ensuites, walk in robes and direct outdoor access.

·         Retain the original, character filled rooms to front of home & create an intimate study and formal dining & lounge spaces.

·         Grand entry foyer & hallway.

·         Areas to display expansive art collection.

·         Dual access to site.

Site challenges:

·         Town planning restrictions - storm water control, height to boundary issues, site coverage.

·         Engineered foundations required to support new garaging built close to steep bank.

·         Lack of dual entry access to rear & front of site.

Design features and creative solutions

Our response was a carefully considered floor & site development plan to create effortless flow within the home & a strong connection with outdoor spaces.  This also ensured town planning rules were satisfied.

The renovation was designed to add much needed floor space whilst achieving a seamless transition between old and new!  Loving the character of the original home, the owners were committed to restoring beautiful features such as existing bay windows.  New roof forms enhanced this character & allowed for the creation of main living area vaulted ceilings.

Materials sympathetic to the special character of the surrounding area were chosen.  Weatherboard & bagged brick features were painted in earthy tones, & organic materials such as shingle detailing & roofing was chosen to achieve this and create a definite Huka lodge aesthetic.

Shingle detailing extended to entry gatehouses designed to create a sense of grandeur!  Consent was obtained for dual access to the site.  This allowed rush hour traffic on the road adjoining the laneway to be bypassed, provided formal & informal entry points and maximized appreciation of the home.

To create the first floor master bedroom retreat, engineered beams were required to transfer floor loads to newly formed foundations under existing sub-floor.  Careful placement of the master suite in relation to existing roof forms was required to achieve a seamless transition.

Extensive outdoor entertaining areas were designed for cohesion between home & garden.  These areas included a Louvretech covered kitchen, new lap pool, & gully seating with outdoor fire.