Winsomere Crescent is a modern waterfront home designed by Dorrington Architects & Associates, that capitalizes on the stunning views in Auckland, New Zealand. The original charming but time-worn house was a double-skin brick bungalow with warren-like rooms and little connection with the amazing views that there was to offer. The clients liked the traditional detailing of the existing house but wanted to maximize the sun and views. A renovation was preferred to a new build and the brief required a contemporary home incorporating the existing. As a result, the focus of the design was on an amalgam of the old and new structures, making up a total of 4,305 square feet (400 square meters).

Formally the house comprises two existing and two new blocks, linked by the hallway, foyer and stairs. The existing blocks contain two brick-clad and lined bedrooms, an office and an original art deco bathroom. The new blocks contain the living spaces in a zinc-clad apexed void, and the master suite in a cedar-screened block. These sit on a lower level plinth, which houses a guest bedroom, bathroom, laundry and media room.

The original brickwork has been stripped back and painted white as part of the re-presentation of the old house, and is further enhanced by the refinished interior doors, double-glazed existing lead-light windows and timber details.The house is directed to the view and is arranged so that, on entry from the street, there is a natural progression from the original house through to the new. From the foyer, stairs lead down as the asymmetrically framed view is revealed.

Photos: Emma-Jane Hetherington