This renovation and extension project covers every base for the people who live here. The family now has a new place to gather, a revamped formal lounge, a sheltered courtyard and upstairs bedroom suites. There’s plenty of hang-out space for both adults and teenagers, and from upstairs they can enjoy sweeping views that include the Hutt Valley and Wellington’s harbour and heads. The project started with a Queen Anne-style villa on an elevated site. An extension was required to cater for everyone and their interests. How best, then, to achieve it? An addition in keeping with the style, or something completely different? The owners went with the latter, an architecturally distinct form that’s as intriguing as it is striking.

At the back of the historical weatherboard house is a tall, dark and handsome wing clad in standing-seam vertical metal. The house now has the best of modern amenities and conveniences as well as five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three living areas. The existing house is devoted to bedrooms, living spaces and a dining room that links to the extension. The connection is seamless. On the ground floor is the sleek moody-hued kitchen with a scullery. This and a family room spill out to a sheltered patio. Take the timber stairs to the upper floor to find the main-bedroom suite, plus another with an ensuite. Here, family comes first.