Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Innovative Garage for Historical Home in Auckland
Look closely. A hidden garage in a period home's facade preserves historical beauty without compromising functionality
Tucked along one of Auckland’s busiest residential streets in Ponsonby, a chocolate-box bungalow conceals a breathtaking secret. Not only is there a multi-level sculptural extension hidden at the rear, but what was once the front bedroom is now a drive-in garage and car stacker. Pretty controversial, you might be thinking? For the owner, however, who also happens to be the architect on the project, this cramped site offered a magical opportunity to create a functional family home with privacy, parking and a pool – a feat rarely achieved within the steep, volcanic hills of this compact city.
To achieve the faux facade, Smith explains how portions of the villa were carved out, while masonry retaining-wall structures were constructed inside to facilitate the car stacker installation. “We cut through the joinery and lined up the boards so that from the front, the facade is seamless,” says Smith.
While maintaining the original character and streetscape presence, further drama unfolds at the rear of the property…
While maintaining the original character and streetscape presence, further drama unfolds at the rear of the property…
… where a sculptural extension, spread over two-and-a-half levels, sets a contemporary tone. Smith was keen to combine recycled materials with modern textures, so he has juxtaposed the rawness of original bricks from old retaining walls on site with slick cedar slats to exaggerate the mix of old and new.
“A pohutukawa tree in the garden provided us with the inspiration for the cedar screen,” he says. “The slats are differing widths and are randomly interspersed, referencing the layering of the bark. They also create an ever-changing depth and shading effect.”
“A pohutukawa tree in the garden provided us with the inspiration for the cedar screen,” he says. “The slats are differing widths and are randomly interspersed, referencing the layering of the bark. They also create an ever-changing depth and shading effect.”
At the back of the property, doors peel back to reveal a seamless connection between the living space, outside deck and elevated pool. Further juxtapositions of textures and materials are found once you’re inside the house too, with a ‘cranked’ brick wall in the living area alongside a bespoke glass-backed bookcase that reveals glimpses of the kitchen above and basement below.
“The brick wall extends onto the deck, providing privacy from our cosy-fit neighbours, while cranking the bricks back and forth makes the wall feel less slab-like and also references the original red brick walls pepper-potted around the neighbourhood,” says Smith.
“The brick wall extends onto the deck, providing privacy from our cosy-fit neighbours, while cranking the bricks back and forth makes the wall feel less slab-like and also references the original red brick walls pepper-potted around the neighbourhood,” says Smith.
Above the living space, glazing separates the building from the brick wall and adds a shaft of light. The slope of the land means there are various types of views from the house, such as rooftops at the back and the streetscape at the front.
The internal spaces were long and thin due to the restrictions of the site, so Smith had to find design solutions that tackled privacy and light ingress. The house responds to this using step downs, half levels and excavation to gain floor space. The central hallway was retained but widened a little to provide access to the garage, while a lower level was excavated from the original two-metre crawl area. It now houses spare bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry and media room. The renovated house is double its original size with rooms leading off a central hallway.
The hallway leads from the entrance through to the kitchen and dining spaces that are situated on the intersection between the old and new parts of the house. A bench seat extends around the dining area and is softened with black upholstery that mirrors the striking black cabinetry of the kitchen opposite.
“Light and natural materials are important to us, providing a healthy textured environment. Using light timber reflects this philosophy,” says Smith.
“Light and natural materials are important to us, providing a healthy textured environment. Using light timber reflects this philosophy,” says Smith.
Once again, contrasting textures make a presence, with glossy marble tiles, smooth cabinetry and rough brickwork adding interest to the clean, minimalist cooking zone, which includes a hidden pantry. From the kitchen you can look down to the living space below and pool beyond.
Alarti marble mosaics: Artedomus
Alarti marble mosaics: Artedomus
The cosy dining area directly opposite the kitchen space has a built-in bench to expand the seating when friends and family visit. Here, the walls and decor are simple, allowing the sophisticated joinery to take centre stage.
“This is one of our favourite areas, being the connection between the old house and the new. While people are in the kitchen, this space presents the perfect perch to chat and hang out while awaiting food,” says Smith.
“This is one of our favourite areas, being the connection between the old house and the new. While people are in the kitchen, this space presents the perfect perch to chat and hang out while awaiting food,” says Smith.
As you continue around the corner and up the stairs, the glass-backed bookcase casts views across the living space.
Upstairs, a light and airy master suite provides a luxurious retreat. Dusky greys soften the pared-back room, while contemporary pendant lights add a designer statement.
A separate dressing area is situated behind the master bedroom.
The master bedroom and dressing room have glass louvres to encourage cross ventilation. “Environmentally friendly aspects are always a huge consideration in our designs,” says Smith. “In this house all the existing timber was reused, whether in the build itself or recycled into other aspects, such as the wall lining or furniture. We’ve also incorporated passive heating and good ventilation.”
A freestanding tub in the lower-ground bathroom is practical yet fun – their young son Nic enjoys splashing around in it. “For this space we used porcelain slabs that look like marble,” says Smith.
Back outside on the deck, an outdoor fire entices guests outdoors on chilly evenings. To avoid the chimney looking too slab-like, solid plaster has been teamed with bagged bricks, breaking up the huge structure.
Looking back, was the hard slog and two-year build worth all the wait and effort? “Absolutely,” says Smith. “During the coldest, hardest months of the build I would remind myself of the outstanding views we have from our home. And now, the house works perfectly for us. When everyone is staying, it feels like a mini hotel with everyone in their own space.”
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.
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.
Who lives here: Jonathan Smith of Matter architects, his wife, Melody, and their son, Nic. Plus their extended family who often stay.
Location: Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Size: 300 square metres: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect and build team: Matter
Awards: Winner of an NZIA award
The front aspect of this stunning heritage home looks completely untouched, aside from a fresh lick of paint. But on closer inspection, there’s something ultra-modern lying beneath the period bull-nose verandah. At the touch of a button the hinged weatherboard door opens to reveal a drive-in garage, complete with a car stacker.
“We wanted to retain the strong aesthetic and heritage of Ponsonby homes, while also combating the issue of parking,” says Jonathan Smith, founder of Matter architects and owner of the property. “Garaging provision in the traditional sense was impossible on this cramped site.”