DESKTOP
MOBILE
Designed by: JIH Building Design
Photography by: Tim Shaw
This alterations and additions project reimagines a modest cottage into a warm, functional home designed to support modern family living while respecting its traditional character.
Located in a well-established residential area, the design reflects a harmonious blend of New Zealand modern farmhouse and Hamptons-inspired aesthetics, with a focus on natural light, simplicity, and enduring materials.
Enhancing solar access
“The key design move was the reorientation of living spaces to the north, significantly enhancing solar access and improving the home’s thermal performance,” says building designer Jason Harb.
The internal layout now includes three bedrooms, a study, and a master suite with an ensuite and walk-in robe – offering generous and well-considered spaces for both privacy and connection.
An early planning challenge involved the existing garage, which sits on a zero-lot boundary and does not conform to current setback requirements.
Taming bulk and scale
To address concerns over bulk and scale, a lightweight open carport structure was introduced in place of a traditional garage.
This solution retained carparking functionality while reducing visual impact and improving amenity for adjoining properties.
A flat-roofed link connects the carport to the main home, adding a subtle contemporary touch to the overall form.
The design palette includes weatherboard cladding, mitred corners, corrugated iron roofing with scrolled edge trims, and steeper-than-usual roof pitches, evoking a refined yet familiar architectural language.
Adding warmth in a sustainable way
“Reclaimed bricks are used selectively in landscape and external detailing, adding warmth and texture in a sustainable and understated way,” says Harb.
The result is a home that honours its original charm while embracing modern needs – delivering a thoughtful and enduring addition to the suburban streetscape.
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
Credit List
Renovating building designerJIH Building Design | BuilderJAK Building |
Kitchen designerSharon Costar | Kitchen manufacturerPaiano Kitchens |
Interior designerSharon Costar | Landscape installationJAK Building; sources – Albion Park Landscape supplies |
Pool design/installJIH Building Design; Installer Albion Park Landscaping Supplies | CladdingScyon Linea Cladding |
RoofCorrugated iron roof in Woodland Grey | Gutter115 high front quad guttering in Dune; mounted on Stramit bat clips |
FasciaStramit metal fascia, in Surfmist | Door joineryAluminium doors supplied by Coastal Windows & Doors; solid French panel doors – special order from Complete Door; Internal doors – Corinthian MODA 2; carport French doors – custom, from Complete Door |
Window joineryDarley Classic View – classic pearl white, in gloss, from Coastal Windows and Skylights | Main flooringMint Classic Champagne, from Mint Floors; rear deck – Newtechwood in black butt |
Bedroom flooringBremworth Wool Carpet, from Tony Di Milia Flooring | Wallcoverings/bathroom tiles/external area tilesPhillips Tile Company |
RugsDarren Palmer Rugs supplied by Sel-f-less Furniture | General heatingAir conditioning – TC Air and Electric, Diakin |
PaintInterior – Dulux Natural white; exterior – Dulux Volcanic Ash (Porters Paint colour) | Feature light fittingsDining – Fishermans Net Kitchen Lights, from Florabell; Antique Copper Ceiling Pendant, from Florabell |
FireplaceVision Line Taurus Wood Stove, from Fireplace Masters | Living area furnitureSofas by Freedom; buffet by Provincial Living; console by Sel-f-less Furniture |
Control systemsAir Conditioning – Advanced Air; security – Swann | Dining table/chairsDining table – Jerico Oval Oak Dining Table, by Florabell; dining chairs – antique oak |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended |
This alterations and additions project reimagines a modest cottage into a warm, functional home designed to support modern family living while respecting its traditional character.
Located in a well-established residential area, the design reflects a harmonious blend of New Zealand modern farmhouse and Hamptons-inspired aesthetics, with a focus on natural light, simplicity, and enduring materials.
Enhancing solar access
“The key design move was the reorientation of living spaces to the north, significantly enhancing solar access and improving the home’s thermal performance,” says building designer Jason Harb.
The internal layout now includes three bedrooms, a study, and a master suite with an ensuite and walk-in robe – offering generous and well-considered spaces for both privacy and connection.
An early planning challenge involved the existing garage, which sits on a zero-lot boundary and does not conform to current setback requirements.
Taming bulk and scale
To address concerns over bulk and scale, a lightweight open carport structure was introduced in place of a traditional garage.
This solution retained carparking functionality while reducing visual impact and improving amenity for adjoining properties.
A flat-roofed link connects the carport to the main home, adding a subtle contemporary touch to the overall form.
The design palette includes weatherboard cladding, mitred corners, corrugated iron roofing with scrolled edge trims, and steeper-than-usual roof pitches, evoking a refined yet familiar architectural language.
Adding warmth in a sustainable way
“Reclaimed bricks are used selectively in landscape and external detailing, adding warmth and texture in a sustainable and understated way,” says Harb.
The result is a home that honours its original charm while embracing modern needs – delivering a thoughtful and enduring addition to the suburban streetscape.
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
[clean_tags]
Credit List
Renovating building designerJIH Building Design | BuilderJAK Building |
Kitchen designerSharon Costar | Kitchen manufacturerPaiano Kitchens |
Interior designerSharon Costar | Landscape installationJAK Building; sources – Albion Park Landscape supplies |
Pool design/installJIH Building Design; Installer Albion Park Landscaping Supplies | CladdingScyon Linea Cladding |
RoofCorrugated iron roof in Woodland Grey | Gutter115 high front quad guttering in Dune; mounted on Stramit bat clips |
FasciaStramit metal fascia, in Surfmist | Door joineryAluminium doors supplied by Coastal Windows & Doors; solid French panel doors – special order from Complete Door; Internal doors – Corinthian MODA 2; carport French doors – custom, from Complete Door |
Window joineryDarley Classic View – classic pearl white, in gloss, from Coastal Windows and Skylights | Main flooringMint Classic Champagne, from Mint Floors; rear deck – Newtechwood in black butt |
Bedroom flooringBremworth Wool Carpet, from Tony Di Milia Flooring | Wallcoverings/bathroom tiles/external area tilesPhillips Tile Company |
RugsDarren Palmer Rugs supplied by Sel-f-less Furniture | General heatingAir conditioning – TC Air and Electric, Diakin |
PaintInterior – Dulux Natural white; exterior – Dulux Volcanic Ash (Porters Paint colour) | Feature light fittingsDining – Fishermans Net Kitchen Lights, from Florabell; Antique Copper Ceiling Pendant, from Florabell |
FireplaceVision Line Taurus Wood Stove, from Fireplace Masters | Living area furnitureSofas by Freedom; buffet by Provincial Living; console by Sel-f-less Furniture |
Control systemsAir Conditioning – Advanced Air; security – Swann | Dining table/chairsDining table – Jerico Oval Oak Dining Table, by Florabell; dining chairs – antique oak |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended |
Related Articles
Lived warmth
This high-performance, comfortable home boasts a bold, tactile material palette – expansive interiors offer versatility while the four storey design presents more like two storeys from the street
Contrast and connection
Featuring a grounded masonry base and light timber upper level, this contemporary, social home celebrates natural light, optimised outlooks, and a sense of privacy
Follow the sun
Key for this renovation/extension was an improved living and dining space which allowed for a north facing entertaining deck, seamlessly connected to the garden below
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
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
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
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.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.
Frontier Pools
We specialise in bespoke concrete swimming pool design and construction.
From infinity-edge showpieces to compact plunge pools in tight city spaces, we create concrete pools in any shape, size, or finish. The possibilities are endless and the quality is uncompromising.
With an expert in-house team, we manage every step, from concept to completion, delivering high-quality pools tailored to your space, style, and lifestyle.
Altus Window Systems
Altus is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and exporter of innovative designs in aluminium extrusions and extrusion-based building systems.
Altus is an award winning leader of the Aluminium extrusion and rolled product market. We specialise in design, manufacture, import and export of extrusion and rolled product, and distribute to both local and International markets.
We’re experts in creating solutions to integrate and partner with our customers across a wide range of sectors; marine, transport, architectural systems, window and door fabrication, mechanical engineering and agricultural industries.
Luxaflex®
Luxaflex® has been adding style and sophistication to New Zealand windows since the 1950s. Our design heritage is founded on innovation for today and tomorrow while taking care to celebrate the beauty in the details. To us, form and function are synonymous. Consistently pushing the boundaries, we are proud to be the market-leaders in daylight regulation and solar heat control solutions.
We combine unique design and practical features to create outstanding products – the essential ingredients for creating any discerning home.
Plantation Bamboo
Building or renovating your space? It’s not just about finding materials that match your values of sustainability and durability; you want them to look fantastic too. But with so many options out there, the search can be daunting.
That’s where Plantation Bamboo comes in.
We understand the challenges you face in navigating through countless choices. That’s why we specialise exclusively in bamboo. Our focus is to simplify your search for the perfect building material that not only meets your sustainability and durability criteria but also adds a touch of natural elegance to your space.
Registered Master Landscapers
With a commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and integrity, Registered Master Landscapers members represent some of New Zealand’s leading landscape design, build, and maintenance specialists.
Since 1985, the association has promoted quality trade practices and recognised excellence across the landscaping industry, with members assessed on the standard of their work and business practices.
From beautifully designed outdoor living spaces to large-scale landscape transformations, this portfolio showcases projects that reflect creativity, technical expertise, environmental awareness, and a dedication to delivering exceptional results for New Zealand homeowners and communities.
Hot Springs Spas
Kiwis are naturally drawn to the water. After all, we are completely surrounded by the ocean on all sides. There is something about the relaxing lull and healing properties of water immersion that we can't seem to get enough of. It is why spa pools have become such a backyard staple for many Kiwis over the last 40 years.
Spa pools are not only a place to soak away the stresses of the day but also a way to connect with nature, family and friends and to spend quality time far away from modern day distractions.
Kiwis by nature have a desire for high quality product which is why Hot Spring® spas are relenting in delivering those quality spa pool products to New Zealand and beyond.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
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.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.