021 293 8686

Author Archives: fwebltd

Manuwai Lane – Extension

Posted on by

This project is an in-progress transformation of an existing habitable two-storey Coloursteel-clad barn located on a rural lifestyle property. The project involves the construction of a new, highly contemporary single-storey extension that deliberately contrasts with the existing barn, creating a distinct architectural identity while significantly improving the way the home engages with its rural surroundings and various constraints.

A key driver of the design is the property’s spectacular lake and landscape views. The new extension has been carefully positioned and configured to maximise these outlooks while creating a series of sheltered outdoor living spaces. The intention is to provide comfortable outdoor areas that can be enjoyed throughout the day and in a range of weather conditions, with different spaces offering protection depending on the prevailing wind direction and position of the sun.

The heart of the new extension is a generous rectangular, open-plan living and kitchen space, featuring a large log-burner in the living end. Large areas of full-height glazing provide strong visual connections to the surrounding property, bringing natural light deep into the interior and allowing the landscape to become a defining feature of the living environment.

Connecting the new extension to the existing barn is a visually open, glass-clad foyer containing the main entrance to the home. This transparent link provides a clear separation between old and new while maintaining a strong connection between the two structures. Rather than attempting to disguise the existing barn, the design embraces the contrast, allowing the contemporary addition to stand confidently alongside it.

The existing barn will also undergo significant reconfiguration at ground level. The works will create a generous master bedroom complete with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, together with a dedicated grandkids’ rumpus room. This will significantly improve the functionality of the existing building while allowing the new extension to focus on shared family living and entertaining and future-proofing the property for any older inhabitants.

Material selection is central to the architectural character of the new addition. The extension will feature a flat roof incorporating a TPO membrane, concealed behind a perimeter parapet. The parapet will be clad in a seamless black cement-based product, creating a clean, understated roofline and reinforcing the contemporary aesthetic.

In contrast, the external walls will be clad in vertical rough-sawn timber panelling. The timber cladding will continue onto the underside of the roof overhang, creating a continuous material expression that adds warmth and texture to the otherwise crisp architectural form.

Project B is ultimately about creating a deliberate dialogue between contrasting architectural forms. The existing barn provides the functional foundation, while the new extension introduces a contemporary, light-filled living environment designed around the landscape, views and outdoor lifestyle of the property. Once complete, the project will deliver a home that combines bold modern architecture with the relaxed character of rural living.

Beresford Street – Renovation

Posted on by

This project involved the extensive renovation and transformation of an existing two-storey bungalow that was in a highly dilapidated and dated condition. The project presented an opportunity to completely rethink the home’s internal layout and functionality while retaining the character and proportions of the original bungalow.

A key focus of the design was to maximise the home’s north-facing aspect and connection to the private rear yard. The existing internal configuration was comprehensively reworked across both levels to create a spacious, practical family home with five generously proportioned bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dedicated laundry and two separate living spaces.

Particular consideration was given to creating a home that would remain functional for its occupants well into the future. The house was extended slightly to the south beneath the existing roofline, allowing for the creation of a generous ground-floor master suite comprising a large bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Locating the primary suite on the ground floor also provides a degree of future-proofing, allowing the home to accommodate less-able occupants without compromising the overall functionality or quality of the living spaces.

The renovation extended well beyond the internal reconfiguration. The existing roof was completely replaced, providing a new weather-tight envelope and significantly improving the overall presentation of the property. The large gable ends were reclad in cedar shingles, adding texture and warmth while complementing the traditional character of the bungalow.

Internally, the house was comprehensively stripped back and re-lined throughout. New kitchen cabinetry was installed as part of a modernised kitchen, while the bathrooms and other wet areas were completely renewed with high-quality fully tiled finishes. A full internal and external repaint completed the transformation, providing a cohesive finish across the renovated spaces and significantly refreshing the home’s street presence.

The exterior works were also an important part of the project, with new pathways and garden landscaping introduced to improve access, usability and the connection between the house and its surrounding private yard.

The completed project is a substantial transformation of an existing home, combining a contemporary and highly functional layout with materials and detailing that respect the character of the original bungalow. Careful planning allowed the existing building to be substantially upgraded while making better use of its northern aspect, creating a spacious, light-filled and future-focused family home.

51 King Edward Parade – Residential Renovation

Posted on by

This project was a complex and highly considered transformation of a dilapidated 100-year-old, 170m² single-storey bungalow into a substantial, high-end family home of approximately 350m². The project presented a unique structural and construction challenge: rather than demolishing and replacing the existing dwelling, the original house was carefully retained and extensively re-engineered, with a completely new basement constructed beneath its existing footprint, a new internal layout, several new first floor rooms and re-cladding with modern construction techniques.

The project began by carefully propping and supporting the existing bungalow in place, allowing excavation to proceed beneath the house. A basement approximately 2.5 metres deep was excavated across the full footprint, followed by the construction of a substantial in-situ concrete basement structure. The new level incorporates a number of highly specialised features, including a lift shaft, vehicle turntable, curved driveway and dedicated ‘utilities’ room to house the solar, battery, central heating, security and hot water systems, creating a practical and sophisticated solution for vehicle access, storage and underground parking.

Once the basement structure was complete, the existing house was carefully reconnected to the new structure above. The original dwelling was then extensively gutted and rebuilt, retaining the character kauri flooring and proportions of the historic bungalow while transforming it into a contemporary, highly functional home with a new layout that balances the views of the harbour to the south and sunlight from the north, while retaining the sense of privacy.

As part of the rebuild, the existing roof structure was completely reconstructed to accommodate a new upper level. This created space for two additional bedrooms and a bathroom, significantly increasing the home’s accommodation while maintaining the architectural character of the original dwelling. The completed home now provides three bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living spaces designed to suit both everyday family life and entertaining.

A strong emphasis was placed on the quality and warmth of the interior finishes. Extensive timber and wood panelling throughout the house provides a rich, natural character and complements the original bungalow aesthetic and cedar shingle cladding to the gable ends, while the high-end detailing and craftsmanship reflect the quality expected of a bespoke modern home.

The project also included the construction of a new standalone two-bay garage, designed in a complementary bungalow style to sit naturally alongside the main residence. Together, the house, basement and garage form a cohesive architectural composition that balances heritage character with modern performance and functionality.

51KEP is ultimately a story of transformation rather than replacement: an existing 100-year-old bungalow was carefully supported, lifted above its original foundations in effect, and integrated with a completely new subterranean structure. Through complex excavation, structural engineering and detailed rebuilding, the project has preserved the spirit of the original home while creating a spacious, sophisticated and highly personalised residence for modern living.

Aramoana Ave – Renovation

Posted on by

This project involved the comprehensive reconstruction and extension of an approximately 80-year-old bungalow. The existing home was completely re-piled before being rebuilt above the existing floor level, providing an opportunity to substantially improve the home’s condition, layout and functionality while retaining the character and proportions of the original bungalow.

The original two-bedroom, 130m² home was extended at both ends of the existing footprint, increasing the total floor area to approximately 190m². The reconfigured home now provides four generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms, creating a significantly more functional layout for modern family living.

A major focus of the project was achieving the additional floor area without losing the architectural character of the original bungalow. The design incorporates a number of carefully considered features that reference the home’s traditional origins while giving the rebuilt house a contemporary identity.

At one end of the house, cedar-clad shingle gable detailing and bay windows provide a strong connection to traditional bungalow architecture, and improve the road front aesthetics. The cedar shingles add texture and warmth to the exterior, while the bay windows create distinctive architectural features and enhance the character of the living spaces within.

At the opposite end, the design takes a more open and contemporary approach. Exposed timber trusses support a raised skillion ceiling, creating a sense of height and spaciousness through the main living area. This ceiling line extends out over the northern-facing deck, strengthening the connection between the interior living spaces and the outdoor entertaining area.

Internally, the renovation carefully balances traditional detailing with modern functionality. Original bungalow influences are retained through the use of traditional trims, detailing and matai/rimu t&g flooring throughout the living areas, helping maintain a sense of continuity with the home’s heritage and architectural style. A central hallway with grooved timber panelling up to a hip-height dado rail runs the length of the house, connecting the road front rooms to the open plan living and deck areas at the other.

The completed home represents a significant transformation from the original 130m² two-bedroom bungalow. Through a combination of full reconstruction, extensive re-piling and carefully integrated extensions, the project has delivered a substantially larger and more functional family home while preserving the distinctive character and detailing that make the bungalow style enduring.

33 King Edward Parade – Commercial Renovation

Posted on by

This project involved the staged transformation of a prominent 100-year-old, unreinforced masonry heritage-listed building, with approximately 900m² of floor area. Over several years, our team systematically renovated the building from the top down, undertaking extensive structural, architectural and interior works while carefully working around existing commercial and, later, residential tenants.

The project required a considered balance between modernising the building for contemporary use while respecting and retaining the character and history of the original structure.

The upper floor was completely gutted internally and reconfigured to create four individual apartments. The existing roof space was also substantially renovated, creating additional bedrooms and living areas for several of the new apartments. Throughout the residential spaces, a modern yet traditional design approach was adopted, with materials and finishes selected to complement the heritage character of the building. One of the apartments is accessed via a distinctive new steel and concrete bridge, providing both a practical entrance and a striking architectural feature.

The ground floor underwent an equally significant transformation. The existing internal layout was stripped back and reconfigured to create three modern commercial tenancies. These include a café/restaurant incorporating an open, front-of-house kitchen; a central courtyard with communal facilities; and a high-end open-plan office tenancy.

A key component of the project was the structural strengthening required to address the building’s unreinforced masonry construction. The existing building had an assessed seismic capacity of less than 33% of the New Building Standard (NBS), requiring extensive strengthening works to improve its performance to 75% NBS. To achieve this, a substantial reinforced concrete beam was constructed around the perimeter of the building, while internally a network of new steel posts, beams and diagonal cross-bracing was installed through to the first-floor level. These works were carefully integrated into the existing building while allowing the architectural character of the spaces to remain visible.

The completed ground floor combines contemporary commercial finishes with carefully retained heritage elements. New hardwood flooring and timber panelling provide a warm, refined finish throughout, while exposed brick walls and many of the original steel perimeter posts have been retained as prominent features.

This project demonstrates our ability to undertake complex heritage renovations where structural requirements, modern functionality and architectural character must work together. The result is a revitalised building that retains its historic identity while providing high-quality residential and commercial spaces designed for contemporary use.