Project description

Located in a quiet, leafy Christchurch suburb, this iconic brick bungalow, originally designed in 1980 by Trengrove and Blunt architects, stood with a classic two-bedroom layout which was echoed along the street.

The homeowners, avid gardeners, sought a modern transformation that would honour the home’s architectural heritage while enhancing its connection to the established garden.

Our challenge was to create a modern, open layout that maximised natural light and fluidly connected indoor and outdoor spaces.

The owners, a semi-retired couple, desired a home that supported relaxed, flexible living in a vibrant community, while also incorporating specific design features such as a dedicated space for their baby grand piano and meeting stringent acoustic requirements.

The original layout, with rooms radiating from a large central foyer, enclosed a private rear courtyard and an exposed grass terrace facing the street.

While functional decades ago, this arrangement lacked openness and a seamless connection to the garden.

Our design addressed this by opening up the internal spaces and enhancing interaction with the outdoors.

Design features and creative solutions

Our approach repurposed existing spaces while adding new features.

The design is centred around two gable forms that engage the street, creating a bold, symmetrical aesthetic.

One gable extends the previous hip roof over the garage and contains a guest suite at the rear.

The new master suite, positioned towards a private front courtyard, features an ensuite bathroom.

A flexible guest suite at the rear doubles as a secondary living room, with a custom-built window seat connecting directly to the garden.

The second gable houses the main living areas, offering an open-plan layout that flows into both front and rear courtyards.

Privacy is preserved with a brick wall adorned with Boston ivy along the street, adding year-round visual interest and shade.

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project.

We focused on minimising construction waste by repurposing existing spaces, using low-maintenance materials, and reducing demolition.

Roof overhangs were designed to prevent overheating in summer, reducing energy use and enhancing the home’s overall efficiency.

Though the addition was modest at 17m², the reconfigured layout, flexible social spaces, and the removal of older conservatories and bay windows ensured that every part of the home is now thoughtfully utilised.

This transformation not only updates the home aesthetically but also provides a versatile, engaging living environment for the homeowners.

Summary

This full interior remodel transformed a classic Christchurch brick bungalow into a cohesive, modern family home with a flexible layout.

The renovation integrates modern living with the home’s original character, at the same time creating a seamless connection to its beautiful garden setting.