Remuera, Auckland

The project was an extensive renovation of a pre-1940’s bungalow. The client, an owner-builder, resided at the property for many years before taking on the challenge of building their dream home.

The brief defined a ‘sophisticated’ contemporary house that invoked ‘presence’ towards the street, was black in colour, maximised views, natural light, and ventilation and had off-street parking.

The approach was to explore with the bulk of the existing home, by meticulously pushing and pulling the form to configure the spaces.

The house is comprised of three levels. The basement level contains three car garaging and a laundry. An internal oak stair leads up to the mid/ground level containing the main living spaces, a guest bedroom, study and an intimate outdoor living area at the rear of the dwelling. The upper level consist of a bedroom, bathroom, and a cantilevering feature which contains the master suite and a terrace which overlooks the Orakei Basin and views of the city.

The selection of materials were essential to clearly define old and new. ‘ground-marble’ painted undulating brickwork creates a visual difference to the dark stained cedar shiplap cladding on the outside, whilst European Oak flooring and salvaged timber feature walls on the inside are contrasted by white painted walls and ceilings. A skylight directly above the marble island bench diffuses ample daylight into the kitchen.

Sliding aluminium louvre shutters provide privacy, as well as the ability to control daylight into the spaces. Natural light into and views out from the ensuite and bathroom at upper level are achieved by narrow, full height slot windows resemble a ‘saw tooth’   Narrow, full height slot windows at the upper level allow daylight into the bathroom and ensuite, while also framing views out.