202612-Banks-Raymond RENOVATION

This project responds carefully to its setting on Māori land, building upon the sound structure of the existing approximately 130sqm, four-bedroom weatherboard home rather than replacing it. Recent insulation and joinery upgrades allow the design to retain the original fabric while renewing the aging corrugated iron roof and directing investment toward improved spatial quality, solar performance, and long-term adaptability. The four-bedroom layout is maintained, complemented by a flexible whānau living space that can function as day living or visitor accommodation, located adjacent to a future kitchen zone and the central bathroom to support staged development over time. A new approximately 60sqm addition is oriented to the north and east to capture morning sun and improve passive solar gain, with kitchen and dining spaces positioned to reinforce daily rhythms of light and warmth. The addition adopts a subtle “boomerang” form aligned to the surrounding maunga, Kaepuku and Pirongia to the west, Maungatautari to the east, and Pukemoremore to the northeast, strengthening the connection between everyday living and the wider cultural landscape while folding gently away from the site entrance to create privacy between family and whānau outdoor spaces. A relocated, covered entry aligns with contemporary living patterns and is defined by stone columns crafted by the owner, with this material language continuing internally around the fire feature. A generous kitchen island and working scullery form the social heart of the new living spaces, while provision for a future integrated garage and relocated laundry ensures the home can adapt over time. Through careful orientation, retained fabric, and deliberate spatial relationships, the design offers a warm, grounded, and enduring response that supports whānau living and strengthens connection to place. Please CLICK on this LINK for David's informative video behind the design philosophy and this LINK for a copy of the drawings (PDF format). Move the slider below to reveal the differences between existing and proposed.