Houzz Tour: Goodbye 1950s, Hello 21st Century
A New Zealand designer refreshes and recycles to recalibrate his family home within the same footprint
Catherine Smith
24 August 2017
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. A design addict from way back, I can't resist looking at other people's houses. And doing a tiny bit of styling and decluttering. Just a tiny bit.
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. A design addict from way back, I can't resist looking... More
Nobody is surprised when architects and designers procrastinate for years about the design – or redesign – of their own home. Architectural designer Jason Higham, who is based in Rangiora, outside of Christchurch, NZ, had a busier-than-usual practice with post-earthquake rebuilds, so busting out walls of the family’s traditional late-1950s weatherboard bungalow to cater for modern open-plan living and the needs of his young family kept getting delayed.
He also had an added incentive to respect the history and fabric of the building: it had been his partner Natalie’s childhood home. But when they finally re-imagined this as their family home, the couple stuck to a strict rule of reducing waste and recycling, and enlarging the living areas of the compact house without enlarging its footprint.
He also had an added incentive to respect the history and fabric of the building: it had been his partner Natalie’s childhood home. But when they finally re-imagined this as their family home, the couple stuck to a strict rule of reducing waste and recycling, and enlarging the living areas of the compact house without enlarging its footprint.
Photos by Stephen Goodenough
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Architectural designer Jason Higham, natural health practitioner Natalie Price and their 2-year-old daughter Cedar
Location: Rangiora, Canterbury, New Zealand
Size: 119 square metres; 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Designer: Higham Architecture
Engineer: David Bonniface of Bonniface Consulting
Builder: Grant Shadbolt Building Solutions
Award: ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Awards 2017 Canterbury/Westland Residential Alterations and Additions category winner.
The 1950s weatherboard bungalow had a classic shape with a generous concrete-tiled hip roof, well-proportioned windows and modest street frontage. “Like most homes of that era, it had ‘good bones’, but the layout of rooms was disjointed and there was little regard for sun or flow to outdoor living,” Higham says.
With one exception, the existing timber windows on most of the house were retained and double glazed, with low-E glass and argon gas specified for maximum insulation. Selected weatherboards were also replaced as needed and Resene low-VOC paints were used on the exterior.
Colorcote ZinaCore roof: Roofing Industries; pine weatherboards: Hamptons ITM; double-glazing existing timber windows: Metro Performance Glass
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Architectural designer Jason Higham, natural health practitioner Natalie Price and their 2-year-old daughter Cedar
Location: Rangiora, Canterbury, New Zealand
Size: 119 square metres; 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Designer: Higham Architecture
Engineer: David Bonniface of Bonniface Consulting
Builder: Grant Shadbolt Building Solutions
Award: ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Awards 2017 Canterbury/Westland Residential Alterations and Additions category winner.
The 1950s weatherboard bungalow had a classic shape with a generous concrete-tiled hip roof, well-proportioned windows and modest street frontage. “Like most homes of that era, it had ‘good bones’, but the layout of rooms was disjointed and there was little regard for sun or flow to outdoor living,” Higham says.
With one exception, the existing timber windows on most of the house were retained and double glazed, with low-E glass and argon gas specified for maximum insulation. Selected weatherboards were also replaced as needed and Resene low-VOC paints were used on the exterior.
Colorcote ZinaCore roof: Roofing Industries; pine weatherboards: Hamptons ITM; double-glazing existing timber windows: Metro Performance Glass
“The project embraced the principles of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle’, minimising waste and salvaging materials on site for repurposing in the new interior,” Higham says. “These principles were important to us. More than just ‘eco-friendly’, it was about being environmentally and ethically responsible.” The builders made sure to minimise waste with various materials salvaged on site to avoid landfill.
Price also enjoyed getting hands-on with the rebuild of her old house. “Since I was 21 I’ve had my own shed of power tools, I’ve always done cabinetry, sanding, stripping and paper hanging myself,” she says. “It was hard to hand it over, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I gave Jason and the builders a few grey hairs. But I loved getting my hands dirty, pulling out all the nails, sanding and getting the rimu timber ready for recycling.”
Price also enjoyed getting hands-on with the rebuild of her old house. “Since I was 21 I’ve had my own shed of power tools, I’ve always done cabinetry, sanding, stripping and paper hanging myself,” she says. “It was hard to hand it over, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I gave Jason and the builders a few grey hairs. But I loved getting my hands dirty, pulling out all the nails, sanding and getting the rimu timber ready for recycling.”
Through the clever use of space, the removal of several walls and rearranging of room functions, the previously disjointed layout was completely reconfigured within the existing footprint of just 119 square metres.
The family wanted modern open-plan living, so the relocation of the kitchen from the cold, south side of the house was a key aspect of the design. Now the light-filled, warm and open space is reached by a full-height glazed door off the entry.
The family wanted modern open-plan living, so the relocation of the kitchen from the cold, south side of the house was a key aspect of the design. Now the light-filled, warm and open space is reached by a full-height glazed door off the entry.
The rear of the house was cut off from the garden and only accessible via a back door off the old kitchen porch, visible to the left. The original study and a small third bedroom got great sun, so were the obvious place for the family’s open-plan all-purpose space. The window shown here was the only one to be replaced, with bi-fold doors opening out onto a new deck.
The generous new bi-fold doors that run off what is now the living space encourage the family to make the most of the sunny backyard. Higham broke up the space with a multi-level deck and a paved patio, perfect for barbecues and a dry place for Cedar to play and ride her bike. “It’s like another room, outdoors,” Price says.
Vitex hardwood decking: Herman Pacific; butynol roof: Ardex
Vitex hardwood decking: Herman Pacific; butynol roof: Ardex
As was typical of the era, the old kitchen was little more than a sink, bench and a few old-style cupboards, cramped and cut off from the rest of the living areas.
Higham knocked out walls between a small third bedroom, study and second, smaller living and dining room off the kitchen to create one expansive kitchen, dining and living area. By wrapping the kitchen bench around two sides of the room he made room for the dining table in the centre of the space, an essential for family togetherness. The area now easily seats groups of 12 people, and comfortably hosted Higham’s Christmas work party of more than 20.
A full-height glass door from the entry makes the kitchen obvious and inviting for visitors, and has become their first port of call. “We were looking for a greater level of inclusiveness and socialising for our young family, so the dining area is an integral part of the kitchen,” Higham says. “The whole area feels significantly larger than it actually is, and the long dining table can double as extra bench space if needed.”
A full-height glass door from the entry makes the kitchen obvious and inviting for visitors, and has become their first port of call. “We were looking for a greater level of inclusiveness and socialising for our young family, so the dining area is an integral part of the kitchen,” Higham says. “The whole area feels significantly larger than it actually is, and the long dining table can double as extra bench space if needed.”
The couple was careful to select products and materials to create their desired healthy-living environment. They used only natural paints, oils and varnishes, untreated plywood, recycled timber and natural stone.
The kitchen bench extends into the dining area, becoming a sideboard with display shelves above for some of the family’s favourite pieces.
Dining table: Impulse Imports; mango hardwood and steel dining chairs: Vast Interior; stools: Early Settler
The kitchen bench extends into the dining area, becoming a sideboard with display shelves above for some of the family’s favourite pieces.
Dining table: Impulse Imports; mango hardwood and steel dining chairs: Vast Interior; stools: Early Settler
The couple’s favourite recycling feature is the rimu wall and ceiling cladding that wraps the new dining/kitchen area.
“All the timber came from parts of the existing house that we’d removed – the stud wall framing, battens that held up the original concrete roof tile, skirting boards and door frames,” Higham says. “Friends and family helped de-nail and mill it to profiles for reapplication, a stunning approach that helps tell the story of the evolution of this home.”
“All the timber came from parts of the existing house that we’d removed – the stud wall framing, battens that held up the original concrete roof tile, skirting boards and door frames,” Higham says. “Friends and family helped de-nail and mill it to profiles for reapplication, a stunning approach that helps tell the story of the evolution of this home.”
The galvanised-steel splashback is another great example of repurposing. It was formerly the roof tray from the flat roof above the back porch, which was replaced by a new membrane roof. The semi-gloss steel bounces light from the side windows and provides a striking textural contrast to the white-washed plywood cabinets.
Even the existing brass window furniture was re-finished by local hardware company, Heritage Bathware. The windows get early and late sun, and with a direct view into the birch trees, this is a favourite spot for bird watching with Cedar.
Even the existing brass window furniture was re-finished by local hardware company, Heritage Bathware. The windows get early and late sun, and with a direct view into the birch trees, this is a favourite spot for bird watching with Cedar.
The couple wanted to include a desk space at the end of the kitchen bench so that screen time and casual work can combine socially. More recycled rimu was used for the floating shelves and the wine rack shelving tucked in the recess below the desk.
Interior paint and cabinet finishes: The Natural Paint Company; Neolith stone benchtops (with recycled rimu trim): CDK Stone; hardware: Blum; sink: Heritage Hardware; Methven tap: Edward Gibbon
Interior paint and cabinet finishes: The Natural Paint Company; Neolith stone benchtops (with recycled rimu trim): CDK Stone; hardware: Blum; sink: Heritage Hardware; Methven tap: Edward Gibbon
Dimmable strip lighting inserted in the timber wrap-around ceiling creates mood lighting that can be adjusted. The living room lights can also be adjusted for parties, movie watching or just wind-down time in the evenings.
This kitchen was a national finalist in the 2017 Trends International Design Awards.
Lighting design and supply: Lighthouse Lighting
This kitchen was a national finalist in the 2017 Trends International Design Awards.
Lighting design and supply: Lighthouse Lighting
Price and Cedar love the open-plan layout for play. “It gives us more space for play on cold and wet days.” she says. “With more natural light and warmth all days, it reduces our heating needs too.”
Natural materials were important to the couple, who specified timber floorboards in native New Zealand red beech, and curtains in the natural fibres of cotton and linen.
Natural materials were important to the couple, who specified timber floorboards in native New Zealand red beech, and curtains in the natural fibres of cotton and linen.
What underpinned the house was as important to the family as its surface appearances. They used green products for the underfloor and top-up ceiling insulation and a ducted heating and cooling system with low energy use.
“Even the carpet underlay didn’t
escape rigorous scrutiny,” says Higham, who specified a felted underlay made from 100 per cent recycled-wool carpet.
Cavalier Bremworth Flashbac recycled wool underlay: Floorpride; Fernhill carpet: Norman Ellison Carpets; custom curtains: Spotlight; leather sofa: Early Settler
“Even the carpet underlay didn’t
escape rigorous scrutiny,” says Higham, who specified a felted underlay made from 100 per cent recycled-wool carpet.
Cavalier Bremworth Flashbac recycled wool underlay: Floorpride; Fernhill carpet: Norman Ellison Carpets; custom curtains: Spotlight; leather sofa: Early Settler
The former kitchen and rear porch were combined to make a useful multi-purpose space off the main living room. With its full-height sliding pocket door it can be a study, a third bedroom or a media room. The opaque glass door filters light, but provides privacy when Price runs her natural health practice. And Cedar uses it as a funky chalkboard too.
Custom pocket sliding door: Independent Doors; Honeycomb pleated blinds: Window Treatments
Custom pocket sliding door: Independent Doors; Honeycomb pleated blinds: Window Treatments
The elegantly detailed timber wall is made from Wellingtonia (also known as redwood, Sequoia sempervirens), retrieved from a tree being felled by a friend of the couple. The original entrance door was refreshed with modern opaque double glazing for privacy, and lends a soft diffused light to the interior.
Tucked beside is a compact suspended shelf for the family’s shoes, yet another custom piece built by Grant Shadbolt.
Laminam by Laminex tiles: Europica Tiles
Tucked beside is a compact suspended shelf for the family’s shoes, yet another custom piece built by Grant Shadbolt.
Laminam by Laminex tiles: Europica Tiles
New paint, modern carpeting and updated lighting make the most of the circulation areas. Bedrooms open off to the right; the open-plan living room to the left is behind another full-height glass door.
Both the bathroom and toilet also received a makeover. With dual basins and a clever custom-designed foldaway shower, the original cramped bathroom now feels twice the size. “Removing the bath was a big call, and a difficult one for Natalie,” Higham says. “But the gain in floor space was essential; we can now have more than one person in the room at a time.”
Higham designed this room, and indeed the rest of the house, to meet the Lifemark standards for universal design, meaning it is easy and safe to live in for a lifetime. Underfloor heating and ventilation keep the spaces warm and dry.
This room was also a finalist in the 2017 Trends International Design Awards for New Zealand.
Undertile heating: Warmup; Neolith stone benchtop: CDK Stone; shower glass: Metro Performance
Higham designed this room, and indeed the rest of the house, to meet the Lifemark standards for universal design, meaning it is easy and safe to live in for a lifetime. Underfloor heating and ventilation keep the spaces warm and dry.
This room was also a finalist in the 2017 Trends International Design Awards for New Zealand.
Undertile heating: Warmup; Neolith stone benchtop: CDK Stone; shower glass: Metro Performance
Builder Grant Shadbolt made the custom cabinetry in the bathrooms, using the recycled rimu for the face panels and benchtop trim. All of the natural varnish finishes came from The Natural Paint Company.
The two main bedrooms were updated with walls of wardrobes that were a far cry from their tiny 1950s predecessors. Custom plywood cabinetry is hidden behind the full-height bi-fold doors. Wool carpeting and underlay, and pure linen and cotton curtains help hold in the heat.
Recycled underlay: Flashbac; Fernhill carpet: Norman Ellison Carpets; curtains: Spotlight
Recycled underlay: Flashbac; Fernhill carpet: Norman Ellison Carpets; curtains: Spotlight
Cedar’s room was decorated by Price. “I wanted to make plain walls more fun to look at and add colour to the room,” she says. The subtle pale-pink walls are enlivened by a colourful jungle animal decal and woodland creatures on the curtains.
Price wanted to avoid any toxic materials, including the chemicals typically used for blockout and thermal curtains, so she chose a triple layer of 100 per cent cotton for blanket-like warmth and to block light for naps.
Price wanted to avoid any toxic materials, including the chemicals typically used for blockout and thermal curtains, so she chose a triple layer of 100 per cent cotton for blanket-like warmth and to block light for naps.
The old laundry was upgraded to a shiny, efficient and organised space with Neolith stone on the benchtop and recycled-rimu trim on the custom plywood cabinets. The original laundry exterior door was modernised with opaque double glazing. A pull-down ladder gives access to additional storage space in the attic.
Sink: Heritage Hardware
Sink: Heritage Hardware
Higham and Price knew that renovating an old house was more sustainable than building a
new one, and embraced those principles with their attention to every detail of their specifications and build process.
Reflecting on their ‘new’ home, Price says, “It’s been an emotional change from the home I grew up in, as this feels like a completely different home inside. So the reusing of some original elements from it is pretty special.”
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
new one, and embraced those principles with their attention to every detail of their specifications and build process.
Reflecting on their ‘new’ home, Price says, “It’s been an emotional change from the home I grew up in, as this feels like a completely different home inside. So the reusing of some original elements from it is pretty special.”
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Related Stories
Renovating Advice
How Do I Find, Assess & Hire the Right People for My Renovation?
Do you need a kitchen designer or a joiner? An architect or an interior designer? Find out with our essential reno guide
Full Story
Renovation Guides
What Key Measurements & Room Dimensions Should I Know for a Reno?
Read practical information about key room measurements and minimum clearances for fittings and fixtures in every room
Full Story
Kitchens
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Most Popular
12 Decorating Tips to Make Any Bedroom Look Better
By Anne Ellard
Want to know how to make your bedroom look better? Here are 12 great tricks
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Reasons Your Bathroom Smells Funky (and How to Fix the Problem)
A plumber reveals five reasons your bathroom might smell like sewage or emanate a musty odour
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
The Full Picture: How High Should Your TV Be?
By Matt Clawson
We look at an important question to consider when locating your television: how high should you set it?
Full Story
Bathrooms
All the Dimensions You Need to Know for Your Bathroom Makeover
Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bathroom by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances
Full Story
thanks so much @ calyadwa, really appreciate the lovely feedback :-)
So comfortable & friendly ,so nice to have an article on recycling,reusing, enhancing the older homes in a thoughtful manner. Well done!
These houses are part of NZ's landscape and it is lovely to see a respectful usable renovation that isn't flashy or overwhelming. Particularly like the reuse of the various woods.
Congratulations!
One question- Does reusing materials end up pushing up labour costs? Can a reno like this be done in same budget as as using new materials?
Lets have more of these articles on Houzz, they are inspirational.
thanks for the great feedback @ beshill. For your question, yes, reusing materials definitely pushes up labour costs. If you can do some of the labour yourself, such as removing the timber and selecting appropriate pieces, de-nailing it, etc, then that will help keep costs down.