Q&A

What did you set out to achieve with this renovation?

A contemporary house that maximised the use of an existing building. The additions square off the 1950s plaster house, which is wrapped with a new timber cladding. The two separate additions also allowed the project to be separated into two distinct phases.

The additions to the house are deliberate, and you can easily read the differences between the old and new – where do you think this is most effective?

One of our favourite elements is the existing windows that have become internal dividing walls. These were a feature of the existing house that we really loved and the most visible link to the past life of the house.

The rain-screen is an interesting solution – tell us how this has enhanced the renovation.

The rain-screen allowed us to make exterior cladding of the new and existing house a sole cohesive entity. As Matt was building the house around his other commitments, it also meant he could very quickly create a waterproof exterior and complete the crafted rain-screen when he had time.

What have you found most satisfying about the project?

Working with clients like Matt and Kirsten made this an especially satisfying project. Matt is a master-craftsman who built every component of this house with his own hands, including some furniture.

6 —The roofline is a study of different eras. 7 —Kyah and Kade Ralph in the table tennis room, which is part of the original home. 8 and 9 —The ply and Vitex cladding has aged to grey. 10 —Matt, Kade and Kyah in the kitchen. As well as building the...