By Imagine Architecture
This project started life as Pettigrew House, a two storey residential home in Opunake that was first constructed in 1879. Pettigrew House was built in 1879-80 by John Pettigrew. The rock and gravel material for the walls was obtained from a local metal pit (lahar), and mixed with lime imported from Scotland. The mix was poured between rough wooden boxing, with sizeable rocks place within the walls. No cement or reinforcing was used. The ground floor had timber framed sash windows and a timber floor. The second storey was built over the base of the previous house on the site in 1984 and used a reinforced slab supported around the perimeter by mock-classical columns. Although the modern additions had been made to the house the original house remains relatively unchanged except for an archway through one room to give access to a larger area. The two completely different construction eras and looks were both very tired, cold and in need of an upgrade. A very difficult renovation which apart from the normal issues when renovating like the building not being square or plumb so cost effective solutions were need for such work as replace the timber floor and deal with concrete walls that have very little strength.
The client’s brief was for a complete property transformation to bring Pettigrew House back to her former glory whilst righting the wrongs of the 1980’s addition and bringing the level of finish into the 21st century. A new boat shed emulating the form of the main dwelling completes the fulfilment of the client’s brief.
The design strategy was to preserve the original dwelling whilst eliminating the aesthetic of the 1984 addition. The new design involved a full reroof and reclad, removal of the bay windows, new thermally broken double glazed windows, full insulation and a complete interior makeover including improved space planning and reallocation and distribution of spaces. A new upper level deck forms a vantage point to take in the rural and mountain views. Solar control to the west facing upper office is dealt with through motorised external louvres.
The lower level interior reinvigorates the heritage of the 1879 dwelling with period detailing revitalised and with special attention given to the preservation of the exterior walls highlighting the strong textural language of the original construction techniques. The spaces provide a self-contained retreat for visiting friends and family along with the owner’s office and library complete with wheeled ladder and custom shelving. The 1984 structural columns have been pushed down they visual hierarchy by framing out the capitals and concealing the corner ones within a new structure. Window fenestration emulates the original double hung windows. The rotten timber floor was replaced with new concrete floor housing hydronic heating.
The upper level contains the main living spaces and master suite. Full redecoration includes custom joinery and finishes throughout. The kitchen design was carefully worked through to ensure efficient use of space given the constraints of the existing structure. New windows frame the mountain and rural vistas and make the most of the elevated floor plate.
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Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.
Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.
At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.
Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.
Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.
Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.
If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.