Can you imagine this dramatic zinc-clad structure was once a brick bungalow with “warren-like rooms” and not much in the way of water views? The original house on this waterfront site was a double-skin brick bungalow with warren-like rooms and little connection with the foreshore. The clients liked the traditional detailing of the existing house but wanted to maximize the aspect and views. Philosophically, a renovation was preferred to a new build and as a result, the focus of the design was on an amalgam of the old and new structures.
Located in Auckland, New Zealand , Dorrington Architects & Associates were called in to revamp an existing home which, from a philosophical point of view, the owners preferred to renovate rather than rebuild. As such, the architects describe the project as an amalgam of old and new, with the emphasis on retaining the detailing while maximizing space and water views.
The original house on this waterfront site was a double-skin brick bungalow with warren-like rooms and little connection with the foreshore. The clients liked the traditional detailing of the existing house but wanted to maximise the aspect and views.The retained lead-light windows and painted original brickwork perfectly set off the zinc-clad apex and timber detailing, culminating with the open plan living room with a symmetrically framed view of the water beyond. The original brickwork has been stripped back and painted white as part of the re-presentation of the old house, and is further enhanced by the refinished interior doors, double-glazed existing lead-light windows and timber details.
