When the clients moved into this 1960s Don Cowey-designed home, it was in relatively original condition — save for a failing 90s bathroom renovation. Keen to retain its architectural heritage whilst reshaping the experience around their young whānau, they staged a renovation: extending and reimagining the main bathroom and laundry, refinishing the ensuite, opening up the confined galley kitchen and adding a pool.

The renovation lets the home's original form take focus by leaning on a restrained palette of concrete block, pale oak joinery and negative details with simple stone and stainless steel worktops. The green-tiled bathroom and terracotta kitchen island stray from this neutrality to introduce a sense of playfulness, warmth and texture. Removing internal concrete walls opened views through the home and the outdoors, which lends itself to day-to-day whānau life and entertaining. It also affords the central space a fresh versatility with an interchangeable lounge, living and dining layout.