8 Menzies Street

by Architects Creative

A carefully considered approach to the refurbishment and extension to the original 1940’s insitu concrete house in a seaside suburb has resulted in a home with enhanced functionality and performance, respectfully providing new life to the building’s unique aesthetic.

The 120m2 footprint has been cleverly re-planned and extended with the desire for longevity being at the forefront of decision making throughout. With generosity of volume prioritised over additional floor area, only 20 m2 was added in the process.

Repair of the existing exterior skin, structural strengthening, services upgrade and construction of a high quality thermal envelope were prioritised, and careful attention paid to delineate between old and new materials. Simple white walls respectfully meet the textural concrete ceilings and native rimu timber floorboards with shadowline margin.

A practical approach was taken to sustainability, working within the framework of the existing building the thermal mass and structure of existing concrete was utilised in conjunction with new elements, including warm-roof construction, thermally broken aluminium joinery, natural and sustainably sourced material selections, solar hot water and integrated heat recovery system.

Driven by the desire for a new social kitchen space at ground level with generous natural light and a physical connection to landscape, in conjunction with a new bedroom and ensuite at first floor level, providing access to rooftop outdoor living, the “POP! up” extension is clearly defined as a new element to juxtapose the original, confidently rising skyward from behind the concrete parapet. Respectfully, only two walls alongside a portion of roof were removed to allow the creation of new space. Generosity of volume has been prioritised over additional floor area.

Designed with a balance between creating privacy and passive features in mind, the extension is orientated for solar gain, with opening arrangements for stack ventilation to utilize predominant breezes ensuring the house maintains a temperate interior climate.

In contrast to the original refurbishment, the extension comprises a palette of warm and enduring materials including travertine flooring, larch boarding to walls and ceilings, and oak and brass metalwork detailing, adding a subtle layer of texture and patina, composed and executed to the highest level of detail and craftsmanship.

Conceptually, the POP! up was conceived as a simple upward extrusion clad in a skin of marine grade aluminium panel cladding, in running bond to reference existing features. With considered window placement to capture views to surrounding hills, alongside generous roof glazing, the result is a light filled volume displaying a dynamic play of light and shadow over the course of the day.

The resulting spaces embody the craft of architecture, bringing joy to the home’s occupants in their everyday living, thus meeting their desire for an enduring family home.