St Aubyn Str Villa

Renovations and Additions - Devonport, Auckland - 2018

Villa Additions and Renovations- St Aubyn St, Devonport, Auckland.

This was a well-known 1895 single levelled villa with later ‘widows watch’ tower and bungalow verandah additions. Described as the house with the tower and red roof. With 270 degrees views over the Harbour, it was the former home of a Danish sea captain. A bedroom floor was added above with guest room and entertainers living to the middle floor and double garage and room for a one bedroom flat, office or workshop under. This enabled it to be an inter-generational home if desired.

The villa embodies a lot of technology that I had been dreaming of for some time. Chemical free roof water collection for showering, stored in a 5000l in ground tank for stormwater retention and irrigation use also. Grey water treatment for toilet and garden watering. Full under floor heating with an air to water system and provision for pv solar panels for the future. Extensive green technology for suburban Auckland. The council engineer described me as an environmental activist… In the best possible way. A house for the future.

Kauri sarking was machined and reused to stairs, kitchen, range hood, vanities and fire. The interior panelling was added to enhance the aesthetic while blending modern and reused materials above. Detailing always ensured a reference to the original villa.

The large rectangular island kitchen inverted the typical host and guest separation and gathered everyone around to participate in the act of preparation and cooking. A butlers pantry complimented the simplicity and allowed for large crowds to be catered with ease.

This villa has stood for a hundred years. The intention is that it will now last for another 100 years.