Designed by: André Hodgskin, Architex New Zealand (Auckland)
Story by: Colleen Hawkes
Photography by: Kallan MacLeod
Space is at a premium in most city homes, so it makes sense to maximize what you have. The notion of a spare room, for example, is an idea that may well have had its day.
This doesn’t mean you can’t cater to extra guests, however. As this project shows, it’s possible to take a cue from Japanese homes, where living spaces can be changed according to need. The house, which has been extensively remodelled by architect André Hodgskin, already has a guest suite, but the owners wanted to be able to provide additional beds if required. They also wanted a home office area.
The solution was a dual-purpose room on the second floor of the house that can be an office by day and a bedroom at night. ‘This makes it a very versatile space,’ says Hodgskin. ‘With an ensuite bathroom, it is effectively a third suite.’
To provide a greater floor area, the architect removed a gallery passage that ran beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. This also allowed more light into the room and made the most of an attractive northeast view over a courtyard. The new circulation route to the guest suite runs alongside the opposite wall and can be concealed from the room by a large, white, drop-down screen.
At one end, the room is now open to a new sculptural staircase and double-height atrium. Further visual continuity between the two floors is created by a freestanding cabinet, which appears as an extension of the chimney element in the living room. Shelving and a small desk area can be closed off as required. An additional mobile desk and chair can be wheeled into the space.
Wall cabinetry, similar to the freestanding unit, conceals the foldaway bed and a wardrobe.
Credit List
sleek, self-contained home office ArchitectAndré Hodgskin, Architex New Zealand (Auckland) | Paints and varnishesResene |
Bathroom tiles and vanity | BuilderEagle & Franich Construction |
CarpetCavalier Bremworth Exemplar in Dymaxion |
Space is at a premium in most city homes, so it makes sense to maximize what you have. The notion of a spare room, for example, is an idea that may well have had its day.
This doesn’t mean you can’t cater to extra guests, however. As this project shows, it’s possible to take a cue from Japanese homes, where living spaces can be changed according to need. The house, which has been extensively remodelled by architect André Hodgskin, already has a guest suite, but the owners wanted to be able to provide additional beds if required. They also wanted a home office area.
The solution was a dual-purpose room on the second floor of the house that can be an office by day and a bedroom at night. ‘This makes it a very versatile space,’ says Hodgskin. ‘With an ensuite bathroom, it is effectively a third suite.’
To provide a greater floor area, the architect removed a gallery passage that ran beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. This also allowed more light into the room and made the most of an attractive northeast view over a courtyard. The new circulation route to the guest suite runs alongside the opposite wall and can be concealed from the room by a large, white, drop-down screen.
At one end, the room is now open to a new sculptural staircase and double-height atrium. Further visual continuity between the two floors is created by a freestanding cabinet, which appears as an extension of the chimney element in the living room. Shelving and a small desk area can be closed off as required. An additional mobile desk and chair can be wheeled into the space.
Wall cabinetry, similar to the freestanding unit, conceals the foldaway bed and a wardrobe.
Credit List
sleek, self-contained home office ArchitectAndré Hodgskin, Architex New Zealand (Auckland) | Paints and varnishesResene |
Bathroom tiles and vanity | BuilderEagle & Franich Construction |
CarpetCavalier Bremworth Exemplar in Dymaxion |
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Mastercraft was the brainchild of Murray Belz, a Chief’s supporter with an eye for design, a tonne of ideas and a passion for excellence.
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At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
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