THE NEXT CHAPTER
LOCATION: ST ALBANS, CHRISTCHURCH
AWARDS:
2023 – Tida Homes, Trends International Design Awards New Zealand Renovations Finalist
"We had a really great experience with Barry. It’s amazing how much the house layout has been able to be changed whilst still maintaining the existing footprint - we have had so many people say they’re impressed with what he came up with and we couldn’t be happier with the end result".
Located within a quiet leafy residential suburb sits this classic Christchurch villa style
property. Originally built in 1939, the property had undergone various
modifications over the years and also extensively renovated numerous times
by numerous owners. This has accumulated in an unreasoned layout with no rationale, underutilised spaces and a disjointed and ad-hoc feel – far from suited to modern living for the new owners, a young family with 2 small children. Our challenge was to consider the transformation of the entire plan and curate a cohesive and functional habitat for our clients, a young couple with a growing family. We worked closely with them to understand their needs and preferences, and looked to developed a design that seamlessly blends modern amenities with the villa’s classic character.
One of our key objectives was to create more flexible social spaces that
could respond to a variety of different occasions and scenarios. We looked to
accomplish this by reimagining the layout, and curating open-concept living
areas that can seamlessly adapt to the family’s changing needs over time. In addition to the above, we also prioritised the connection between the villa and its existing garden space. We worked to create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, incorporating large windows and doors to bring natural light into the home and providing easy access to the garden.
One of our key design strategies was to cluster the main living spaces along
the trajectory of sunlight, maximising natural light and creating optimal living
conditions. This approach not only enhances the functionality of the space, but also promotes sustainability by reducing the reliance on artificial lighting during
daylight hours.
Our approach to sustainability was centred around utilising the existing space
and getting it to work smarter, rather than relying on further additions to the
footprint. We also prioritised environmentally conscious choices, including the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and smart home technologies to reduce the villa’s ecological footprint where possible.
In addition to optimising natural light, we looked for opportunities to repurpose
existing spaces and provide additional amenities without increasing the floor
area. Through thoughtful space consideration we were able to include new
amenities into the existing footprint, including a new powder room, media room, and pantry space.
Overall, our restoration of this classic villa has transformed it into a modern family
home with a cohesive layout, flexible and adaptable plan, and engaging social
spaces that perfectly suit the needs of our clients as a young, growing family. This
restoration has created a forever home for our clients, allowing them to enjoy
and grow into their new home for years to come.
Photography: Hazel Redmond