Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 5A New Zealand | Page 94

“The house was very much a product
of the ’70s,” Rodrigues says. “There was
an internalised kitchen, with a limited
connection between the kitchen and living
areas, and between inside and out. The
passage linking the entry with the living
spaces was very narrow, so there was no
sense of welcome.”
However, the architect says the house
had good bones and was well positioned
on the gently sloping site, with a good
orientation to the sun.
“While we did discuss a completely

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new build, the owners preferred a more
sustainable, adaptive reuse option. They
were keen to preserve as much of the
existing dwelling as possible. Although
they wanted a modern design, it couldn’t
be too contemporary or austere – they
appreciated the traditional qualities of the
neighbourhood and wanted their home to
be warm and comfortable.
“The project became a renovation
and addition. Remnants of the original
form and some of the fenestration remain
as reminders of the original building.

However, the result is indistinguishable
from a new build.”
To create a strong sense of arrival, the
architect introduced a glazed canopy to
the entry, and a timber-clad door within
a steel plate frame. This now opens to a
wide, light and airy hallway.
“Space was claimed from the former
dining room – we cut through a wall to
provide a direct link from the entry to the
living areas on the north side of the house.
This means guests no longer have to walk
down a long narrow passage at the back