This home, located in Wellington’s southern suburbs, was originally a 1920s bungalow with a fragmented layout. The kitchen and dining room were at opposite ends, separated by bedrooms, making it impractical for a modern family of four. Over the years, various modifications had diluted the home’s original character, leaving it inward-facing and disconnected from natural light, views, and the backyard.

The renovation reimagines the space to suit contemporary family living. A more cohesive floor plan enhances natural light, improves the home’s interior climate, and strengthens its connection to the outdoors, distant views, and afternoon sun. The kitchen, dining, and living areas were relocated to work harmoniously and now flow seamlessly onto a new west-facing deck. Bedrooms are positioned to the east, while the laundry and bathroom sit centrally.

A simple yet thoughtful palette of materials and textures respects the home’s heritage while providing a timeless backdrop for modern family life. The traditional painted timber vernacular is celebrated through carefully considered details, with refined carpentry referencing early 20th-century craftsmanship. Subtle, elegant joinery defines the spaces, balancing period character with contemporary functionality.