Every decade has its defining architecture, and the 1990s was no exception. And it wasn't always great.

Not-so-cool legacies include poor plaster cladding systems and poky rooms – unbelievably, kitchens were often separate cubicles sandwiched between living spaces.

This house in Ponsonby was typical of the era. But a major renovation designed by architect Tony Koia of Koia Architects has removed all traces of the tired '90s.

In fact, the makeover has been so extensive, not a lot remains of the former house, except the framework and the original roofline. And what is especially interesting about this project is the fact that it did not involve an extension.

"But even though the footprint remains the same size, the house seems significantly bigger," says Koia. "That's because it has been opened right up on the interior, and it's a lot more transparent."

The architect says he set out to simultaneously "soften" and "sharpen" the architecture. To "soften" the look of the exterior and provide longevity, the house was reclad in rusticated cedar weatherboards, which complement the neighbouring turn-of-the-century villas.

The square-edged garage right on the street was given a new highly textural splashcoat surface, similar to what would have used in the '20s and '30s.

An arched window at the front, which dated the house, was replaced, and new black louvres introduced to the upper level. The architect also reworked the balcony and terrace off the main living area on the middle floor – previously the balcony had an "unfinished look", he says.

Other changes to the exterior included replacing a solid timber gate with a modern version of a picket fence, so the house has a more welcoming presence. The new gate slides across to give access to an extra car space.

spaces. The exterior also has a sharp new monochromatic palette that helps to define the key architectural features.

But it's the interior that has seen the most amazing changes. "Before the renovation, the house has a very sad, '90s feel," says Koia.

"It was a soft yellow right throughout, and very divided up, with a lot of small rooms – a very small kitchen cubicle, a hallway cubicle, separate toilet, bathroom and laundry. The mezzanine was a very small room on the upper level."

The new kitchen features a large island with a metal screen over backlit Perspex - similar to the front entry and garage door. The benchtops and splashback are Super White granite.

The architect subsequently removed most of the internal walls to open up the living spaces, and enlarged the top level to create a dramatic, open mezzanine floor that replaces the closed-off room. Glass balustrading ensures the full double-height volume can be appreciated from all the living areas.

The living spaces now flow in both directions – to the elevated terrace at the front, and to a new, beautifully landscaped outdoor living area at the rear.

In keeping with modern lifestyles, Koia positioned the new kitchen right in the middle of the house.

"It's a very Ponsonby kitchen, in as much as its reminiscent of a cafe," he says. "The front of the island features a cut-out metal screen glued onto Perspex, which is backlit, so it glows beautifully at night. We used the same metal screen over the front door and also on the garage door. It seems simple, but it was actually very complex to achieve."

Super White granite features on all the benchtops, bathroom vanities and laundry benchtops. Off-cuts from the slabs were used to bring a touch of luxury to dressing table surfaces in the master suite.

And, needless to say, the house was completely rewired and is now a "smart house", with iPad controls for the lighting, heating, blinds, home security and audiovisual systems.

Koia says the owners currently live overseas and had planned to return to live in the house. But circumstances have changed and they have just put the house on the market.

The bathroom vanities also feature Super White granite, while the floor and walls are in a matching porcelain slab.

Colleen Hawkes, Stuff.co.nz