Architectural Design Enhanced in Khandallah, Wellington

Room For All

Hosting guests and making the most of the views from the Khandallah hills were priorities for homeowner Diana, but the state of her outdoor entertaining area was a deterrent to inviting friends and family to visit. Tired cladding and decking was an eyesore in itself and, with significant ageing and damage over the years, it was also a potential hazard for the family.
Determined to make the most of this underutilised space, Diana contacted local Renovation Consultant Mark Morrison to help make her dream of hosting a reality. Mark’s experience and extensive network of skilled tradespeople would prove to be vital in meeting the project’s unexpected challenges. 

Expert Understanding

Built in the 1980s, the home had been architecturally designed to make the most of the stunning bush and views across Wellington while complementing its immediate surroundings. Diana was keen to ensure that the renovation would remain in keeping with that original aesthetic, while providing modern functionality.
Mark quickly appreciated that making the most of the site would be challenging, with older fixtures being incorporated into a new design and a Wellington hillside to contend with. New cladding would be required, while replacing the exposed deck with a covered outdoor area would allow for year-round entertaining. The boundaries between building and landscaping would need to be blurred to work in with the hillside and make the most of any flat areas available. With plans and budget discussed and agreed, the project got underway.

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Taking Time to Get it Right

Once Mark had obtained council consent, demolition of the existing site features could begin. But with demolition came a challenge. The architectural plans drawn up for the original build did not accurately reflect the landscape.
With the recently consented plans having been based on those 1980s originals, Mark needed to find a solution without triggering a consent amendment. Working closely with the builder to research suitable ideas and engaging with the council’s building inspectors, Mark was able to modify the proposed retaining walls and secure the green light to proceed.
The nature of the renovation meant project managing suppliers and tradespeople across tight timelines. Mark’s relationships within the industry ensured carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and balustrade installation were all completed within agreed timelines. 
Superb Outdoor Living
Diana is thrilled with the haven Mike and his team have created, the appearance of which suits the space perfectly and enhances the original home. Highlights include the stunning pergola with louvre slats which allow for light on fine days and rain protection on others, with pull-down blinds for privacy and wind protection. The composite decking is another showpiece, which will last for decades with little need for maintenance. 
The landscaping has been tastefully blended into a variety of original features, and the hillside that created so much challenge for the team has been transformed into a place for friends and family to truly relax. 

Final Thoughts

Taking time to find the optimum solutions for the challenges of this project is one of the key reasons this project has been so successful. The resulting renovation is a welcoming, practical, and beautiful outdoor space that the owners love.

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