Creating a family-friendly home
The brief for renovating this simple 1940s weatherboard home was to modernise and gain space and functionality, while preserving the character features that gave it charm - including the doors, rimu architraves and skirting, tongue and groove flooring, and original rimu kitchen cupboards.
There were many issues with the existing layout. It had a separate east-facing lounge; a dark, small kitchen in the middle of the plan; the third bedroom was a small single; and the large laundry was in a prime location looking onto the backyard. The only connection to the garden was via a poky porch.
Extend a little, gain a lot
To keep as much of the garden as possible, the plan was to extend the length of the home by just 2m. This allowed the living area to be relocated to the rear of the house, creating an L shaped open plan living area. The old living room would become a new master bedroom with ensuite.
To keep costs down, we left the kitchen in its original location, and the ensuite was tucked in next to the existing family bathroom, so that plumbing was all kept together.
When challenges are blessings in disguise
For both financial and environmental reasons, the intention was to keep as many of the original lathe and plaster walls as possible. Unfortunately when demolition work began, the lathe and plaster started crumbling. The decision was made to remove it all, rather than try to patch.
What eventuated was a total gut and strip to the studs. In hindsight this was a blessing, as it allowed every wall to be straightened, and for wool insulation to be installed in every wall, and all new linings.
As a result, the house is much more energy efficient, and the the extra effort in straightening and finishing means that this renovation will see this home through many more years.
Something special
From the street, you wouldn't know that this home has undergone a complete reno. But everyone who walks through the front door is amazed by the transformation.
The original kitchen cupboards fit in perfectly alongside new joinery, and left-over flooring has also been re-purposed under the island bench. The laundry is now hidden behind doors just next to the kitchen, which is very handy for getting washing done while keeping an eye on small children.
The high raked ceiling in the living area gives the home a feeling of spaciousness, and the new gable-end is a massive upgrade to the view from the garden.
The floors in the hallway and kitchen have been lovingly restored alongside upcycled tongue and groove flooring, leading you out through bi-fold doors and onto the deck.
There are now three full sized bedrooms, including a serene master bedroom with beautiful ensuite. The old rimu mantlepiece was even used to create the ensuite vanity top.
We're incredibly proud of this renovation, because it took a basic 1940s home and made it something special. There's more space, better flow, and its character shines.
Could your house do with a few changes, big or small? Book a Meet and Greet with Richard to chat about your ideas.
