Aurora
This was an existing bungalow, for which we fully rebuilt the back half.
Overview
We knew restoring and reconfiguring what we had would have a much less carbon intensive impact than demolishing and building anew. Essentially we wanted to build more with less.
Challenges
When approaching this project we knew we wanted to deeply consider two main elements: heritage and building thoughtfully. Our villa was originally constructed in 1905 and it has seen a few families move through its doors. Like the families before us, our children were born in Pit-one, and it was imperative to us to keep as much of this in mind when it came to retaining the historical aesthetic whilst creating something new.
Solutions
Materials were carefully selected based on their whole life cycle impact, and as the globe moves towards our net-zero carbon 2030 target, more environmental product declarations (EPDs) are becoming widely available. We researched EPDs with longevity, ease of maintenance, circular business models, ethical manufacturing, considered their local proximity (reducing carbon impacts associated with transport from cradle to gate), and we also wanted to support small Kiwi owned businesses. During the renovation we recycled, repurposed, sold or donated the majority of all removed building elements in a bid to keep them from landfill. Elmm was very accommodating in the whole process.
Outcome
The result is a retained character home from the front, blended with an gallery-like open plan living space at the rear, connecting the heart of the home to the exterior outdoor space. The voluminous living space with an East facing elevation is largely made up of high thermal performing insulated glazing units, which creates the illusion of a conditioned area much more expansive than its modest 140sqm footprint. The space harnesses natural light and warmth in the mornings, while becoming a refuge in the later hotter times of the day, and brilliantly offers star gazing at night. The kitchen boasts ample storage and seamlessly blends the practicalities of family life with generous entertaining on holidays.
Living in something you've dreamt of for so long is surreal and no one can prepare you for the satisfaction and delight which comes with that. We love how our transformed home feels like a retreat as well as a hug from an old friend.
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