Twice as nice

Renovation by Creative Arch

From the building designer:

This renovation revived two homes suffering from extreme damage due to poor design and material choices. 

A complete redesign from the slab up allowed for resolution of watertightness issues in a way that not only significantly improved aesthetics and functionality but increased the value and liveability of the homes.

The homes were clad in plaster, with unstable foundations on ground not compacted properly. 

Water was leaking through cracks in the cladding into spaces that were small, closed off and damp. 

The main supporting column to the 15C deck had sunk into the ground, and the timber framing was unsalvageable due to decay.

The existing slab needed significant underpinning. 

Large concrete piles were attached to the existing concrete strip footings with a cap footing, and drilled down through the soft soil to reach good ground.

The homes were demolished to the slab and rebuilt with a sustainable envelope and long-lasting materials. 

Now, the site houses two contemporary homes maximising their position in this prestigious neighbourhood, drawing in natural light at every opportunity and embracing incredible views to the sea.

On the upper level, each home has a large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flowing out towards a north facing deck. 

Soaring ceilings and full height joinery add to the sense of space in the entertainer’s paradise, with additional living space closed off for a cosy media room. 

Downstairs, full height bedroom windows draw in the site’s greenery, creating peaceful sanctuaries.

Design challenges

Both properties came with unique design challenges. 

The brilliance of this project is that the design solutions add value to both, creating two homes that are both independent and closely intertwined.

15C’s original resource consent was for a simple reclad, approved to ensure it didn’t shade or block views to surrounding properties. 

This meant designing only within the existing envelope. 

15B was constrained by its exposure to the neighbours across the driveway, where privacy needed to be maintained.

Surrounded by properties on all sides, it was essential to maximise views to both from their northern facing decks, but maintain privacy to each, and not block any neighbours, including existing views from 15A.

Now, the ground floor of 15B’s 2.9m stud height, raises the upper level above 15C’s roof, giving it both sweeping views and privacy. 

The boundary wall provides privacy to 15C’s northern facing deck, while a steeply sloped garage roof ensures the neighbouring property remains its outlook. 

On the driveway side, high level windows and louvred screens ensure privacy between properties.

Inside both homes, full height joinery and open-plan living allow natural light throughout spaces that were once small and damp, while high-end finishes add a sense of luxury. 

On the exterior, each has its own visual identity, within the same contemporary finish. 

Streamlined black aluminium cladding coats 15B, while white pine painted timber creates contrast on 15C.

Designed by: Creative Arch

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Andy Chui, Drawphoto; Jack Mapobpan, Maverick Studio & Up Real Estate