Award-winning renovation project by QPC Builders and Yellowfox

In a well-to-do suburb typified by crisp, white weatherboard residences, a more flamboyant design can look rather out of place.

Such was the case with this renovation by QPC Builders and Yellowfox. Originally built in a Spanish style, the house has been reinvented as a traditional home with open interiors and separate guest suite. The project won a Gold at the Master Builders House of the Year Awards.

Developer Mike Page, owner of MPAC Property, the firm that drove the project, says the house was virtually stripped back to the foundations, with a few character brick walls retained, so it was really more like a new build.

"We pushed out exterior walls to allow for improved internal flow, converted a flat over the garage into a guest suite, and transformed the exterior with weatherboard and brick to be more in tune with the character of Devonport.

"In addition, the roofline is now steeper and gables were introduced, some bedrooms were brought downstairs, and a hall was added."

Essentially everything was addressed, says Alex Coburn, owner of QPC Builders.

"Even the existing glass handrails were replaced with traditional wood rails."

The reinvented house has a neutral palette on the exterior, with highlights of brick, cedar and rustic metal providing subtle accents, says Yellowfox designer Teri Donnelly.

"The front gate is in rustic metal, and the main entrance also features rustic metal panels this material connection draws you forward.

"From the large pivoting front door you step into the main living room and take in the view."

There is now a good flow between the galley-style kitchen, dining and living areas. The kitchen is simple in form, yet rich in materials.

"An elongated stone island with distinctive veins and markings is the showstopper, while the use of timber veneer and white lacquer cabinetry provides a complementary backdrop," says Donnelly. "The kitchen flows nicely into the dining area where that captivating city view lies and also into the covered courtyard that looks out to the lawn and pool area."

The reworked bathrooms have hand-glazed hexagonal feature tiles and warm timber veneer vanities that soften the look. All five bathrooms are similar in form and materials, which helps link them together within the home.

"Feature lighting in the kitchen, dining and foyer, together with the accent wallpapers seen throughout the interior, help define the spaces.

"The overall feeling you get from this transformed home, is warm, inviting, palatial and very well thought out. Attention to detail and craftsmanship have not been spared."

For details on Yellowfox, visit the website: www.yellowfox.co.nz. For more information on QPC Builders, visit www.qpcbuilders.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas