Trends New Zealand Volume 33 No 3 | Page 111

Raised expectations

This Victorian terrace house has been transformed by clever internal reorganisation and the addition of another level
As is often the case with an older home , an ill-considered earlier addition had to be stripped out before this more thoughtful renovation by architect Julie Firkin could be introduced . The lean-to added to the rear of the house in the ‘ 60s had included a bathroom , kitchen and laundry . The extension had been inward looking , noisy and drafty – creating a claustrophobic feel .
“ While loving her neighbours and the area , the owner initially wanted to upsize to achieve more bedrooms , a relaxed indoor-outdoor flow and contemporary , light-filled living spaces .
“ By reconfiguring the rear of her Victorian home and adding another level on top , I was able to achieve all of this in the existing house .”
“ Responding to by-law limitations on the historic frontage , we had to retain the envelope of the front two rooms and were able to retain the aesthetic of the front room and corridor , as glimpsed from the street ,” says the architect . “ However , from the living spaces right out to the back of the home , everything has changed .”
The house sits on a sloping site , meaning the stud height at the rear is much higher than the stud at the front of the home . Prior to this makeover , the house was essentially on one
Previous pages : A zinc-clad addition to this Victorian home fits well with the mixed architecture seen from the laneway but is stepped back from the street and co-joined neighbour . The extra level is part of an extensive makeover by Julie Firkin Architects .
These pages : A tall window to the left of the rear facade brings light into the staircase behind . The fixed louvres over the master bedroom window ensure privacy for neighbours – a council requirement .
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