This two-level, 1990's interpretation of a villa sits in a narrow street, just off Ponsonby Rd, Auckland. It is situated in the heart of the cafe and restaurant precinct that Ponsonby has long been famous for. I wanted to bring part of this spirit, to this home, opening up the compartmentalised interior to create a large open-plan living area, with entertainers kitchen. The island bench is treated in a similar way to that of a cafe/bar counter, with laser cut panels and perspex behind. This motif is used again to the garage and main entry doors.
The outside size and building lines have essentially remained the same. The building was completely re-clad to better reference the villas it was interpreting. The wrap around verandah was completed and combined with electrically operated louvres to bring in a contemporary response.
While also being a compact site, it provides all the needs of inner-city living, with good inbuilt entertainment area, elevated grass square for sunbathing and second car parking spot. The most amazing thing about this transformation has been how large the living space now appears from the sad, dark and compartmentalised spaces that it once was.
We had a very extensive and clear brief, but Tony was able to take that vision to a whole new level – beyond anything we could envisage. From the outset it was apparent that our thinking and sense of aesthetics were similar, and we found Tony to be very collaborative and extremely helpful. We were overseeing the renovation from abroad and Tony kept us well apprised of everything that was going on.
