The dwelling was built in the late 1800’s and was a fine example of Victorian inner city residential design prevalent at that time. As is the case with many house like this, it’s had a number of additions and alterations for a variety of uses. The existing use prior to the current alterations was as a boarding hostel, which meant that additional partitions had been added for extra accommodation, a fire escape walkway and stairs installed across the front, and a kitchen/utility room tacked on the back.
The brief from the client was to return the house to a family home and restore the features and detailing of the original building. A new kitchen included informal daytime living with good access to the rear of the property.
Upgrading included completely insulating the house, repairing all rotten joinery, framing and cladding, rewiring, fitting energy efficient lighting, new hot water system and general piping.
KCDC is currently planning to transform Paraparaumu to be the heart of the district and the primary focus for retail, commercial, cultural and civic activity. The site situated on what will be effectively “Main Street” in the future was a perfect location for the development of a contemporary styled office building.
Open plan work areas, good access and flow were all important factors in the design.