VOYAGE OF DECO-VERY
The reworking of this art deco home earned ENGAS Developments The Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2022 Renovation award for Waikato ($750,000 - $1.5 million).
Located in Whitiora, Hamilton, the build was situated on a tight and challenging site, and the house was completely stripped of its lining and cladding – both of which have been carefully replaced.
The original Rimu timber flooring has also been salvaged and used throughout the reconfigured layout.
The challenge of renovating this character home was to balance contemporary needs and retaining heritage features.
However, the reworking of this Art Deco masterpiece was artfully and successfully carried out, and the new additions have been seamlessly integrated into the original silhouette.
From the street, it’s hard to comprehend the exact scale of what has been changed - such is the skill of being able to mix the old with the new and keep everything fresh.
The new house is refreshingly crisp in white with a slim black trim, but so much has been done to restore the inherent grandeur of this extensive 430m² home. Internal walls have been removed to extend and open the kitchen. Once dark and small, a new working space emerges, including a sophisticated, thoroughly modern kitchen with a scullery. Features such as the existing timber floors have been maintained, refreshed and matched with new flooring. The patio, with its stunning panorama of the Waikato River and feature louvre roof, has been preserved. Solar panels on the new roof link to a Tesla battery. Substantially improved thermal efficiency and a ducted HVAC system provide year-round comfort.
Nearly a century on from early art-deco days, this enduring beauty has been reinvigorated for many more years of enjoyment.
Our Project Manager Steve Currie said the Victoria Street project on the banks of the Waikato River was a great experience for everyone.
“It certainly gave the Engas Developments team the opportunity to train our apprentices in the fine art of transforming a 1940s built home to modern standards, and they will be able to draw upon this experience for years to come.”
The new house was not only larger than the original, but also transformed into a more practical dwelling for its owners.
“What we did took it to the next level.”
Whether you're ready to build your dream home, start a renovation or have questions, we're here to help.
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