By Furze Architecture & Design
When the time came to breathe life into a tired house with dated 80s additions that were setting it squarely in the past, Richard Furze knew that the answer would be a classic renovation to simplify and restore the home, future-proofing it for coming generations to enjoy.
It was clear that a large leaky deck would have to go, which freed up room for more outdoor space, extra bedrooms and better flow from the house. An 80s kidney-shaped swimming pool was also squared up, for a more modern look. As a result, this St Heliers home now has timeless style with few ties to any particular era.
As the son of a well-known Taranaki building family, I grew up on a building site and proved to be cheap labour while at school. After spending six years in the design industry in New Plymouth, I moved north to Auckland in 1996 and set up my own business.
I would describe my style as predominantly contemporary, with an emphasis on simplicity of design. I work closely with my clients to ensure that each project is individually designed to meet their unique needs and requirements, while reflecting their personality throughout. When approaching renovations, I like to consider the existing character of the home and often work to restore at the same time as renovate as part of the project, preserving the integrity of the original home.