79 Old Karori Road

This project is a refurbishment of a previously modified 20th century bungalow. The intervention was motivated by damage caused by split water pipes and the clients desire to incorporate a new garage, a protected entry, new kitchen, additional bedroom and bathroom and general realignment of living spaces. The owners requested a balance between areas for children to play and the living spaces, that both addressed the following aspects: the back garden (east), the sun (north), and the views to the street (north-west). The other challenge was to remain within the maximum site coverage, as dictated by the District Plan.

The form of the original front entry porch box (demolished) was re-interpreted and scaled up to accommodate the new garage and additional rooms. The additions are also distinguished with contrasting cladding, with the junction between the two forms softened by the use of semi-transparent slatted timber screens, which extend out both sides of the additions. The site is very prominent on the street edge, which has been enhanced by treating the additional rooms as a solid form. The timber screen and entry steps have been positioned to provide some privacy from the traffic, and also to create an intriguing transition zone from the street to the entry.