St Albans Residence.

A family struggling with an outdated, mould ridden bathroom embarked on a renovation journey that would bring a character home back to life. The one room renovation turned into the entire house however the challenge was, how could you modernise but also retain the villa’s elegance which was dimmed down specifically after the Christchurch Earthquake. Although the villa stood well during those shaky years, further extensions and gentle renovations from 20 years prior meant the beautiful ornate feeling of the home was lost…… and needed to be revived.

Welcomed through the 1904 entryway, the owners only requirement was to hold onto the essence of years gone by. Detailing the herringbone floor to reflect and balance all the character of the ornate vintage chandelier before stepping into the hub of the home.

The kitchen was moved from the back of the house creating better flow and easier accessibility either side of two new living areas. Providing privacy for each room whilst still being open plan, cathedral glass black metal doors were inserted, replacing existing internal doors. Original timber floors out and engineered timber flooring in, the living areas now have a cleaner aesthetic and fit in with today’s modern living. Existing 3 metre ceilings throughout the entire abode but not limited to a new 6 metre high skylight in the hallway mean the freshly painted dwelling now feels light and spacious.

Bathrooms were updated keeping to the original plumbing. Tiling the floors and walls with the same tile up to the ceilings refreshed the elegance while tapware and fixtures were chosen with precision to reflect the modernity of the renovation and in keeping with the timelessness of the villa.