Deborah and Stuart’s remarkable rebuild is a cut above
Tucked into a steeply sloping section, this impressive Nelson home was born out of what started as a simple alteration but ended up as a near complete rebuild – decked out in a tranquil palette of Resene paints and stains.
According to Rachel Dodd of Arthouse Architects, who was the Project Architect for the rebuild, the existing 112m2 house had not been well maintained by its previous owners. Internally, the arrangement of the rooms was awkward, with corridors taking up a valuable portion of the interior floor space and two large bedrooms held the lion’s share of the remainder.
Homeowners Deborah and Stuart liked the humble nature of the existing house – it’s part of what initially attracted them to it – but they were in need of a layout that was much more adaptable for when their grown-up children returned for visits.
“The idea was to create a home that was relaxed and easy to live in, spaces that layered up over each other, with intimate garden views and a distant one to the sea,” says Rachel.
“Initially plans were drawn up keeping the existing footprint and some of the internal walls, along with an extension at the front of the house which increased the total floor area to 135m2. But as work progressed, it became clear that the original house was in worse condition than originally thought and ultimately it was completely rebuilt above the original floorboards.”
The end result is a quiet, timeless home that sits gently on the site. Visitors comment on the
apartment-like feel, which is likely a result of the multi-purpose rooms and the reasonably modest floor space. Last year, the project won the NZIA Resene Colour Award 2018 and the NZIA Nelson Marlborough Architecture Award for Housing - Alterations and Additions.
“We love the view of the lighthouse and the fact that the house was built on a sunny sheltered spot above The Cut,” says homeowner, Deborah. “We watch the ships, the boats, the kayaks and the paddle boarders and wind surfers out in all weather. The view was the main reason we chose the house and decided to renovate.”
The bi-fold windows and sliding doors, which provide easy access to the deck, are another favourite detail – as are the glass-free bathrooms, which are easy to keep clean.
For others looking to undertake a similar project, Deborah recommends choosing to work with people you trust. “Find someone who knows what they are doing and run your ideas past them.” She and Stuart worked closely with designer Marine Conrad of Chez Marine Interiors on their scheme.
Published: 16 May 2019
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“The clients have furnished their home with beautiful objects, some of which were bought back from their time living overseas, creating a space that feels warm, welcoming and intimate,” says Rachel Dodd of Arthouse Architects. The walls of the lounge are painted Resene Quarter Bison Hide.
The living room, which features stunning views over The Cut in Nelson Harbour, is painted top to bottom in Resene Quarter Bison Hide.
Deborah favours classic colours, which led her and designer, Marine Conrad, to settle on Resene Quarter Bison Hide for the main living spaces. The deck, seen through the sliding doors, is stained Resene Woodsman Natural.
Resene Quarter Bison Hide was used for the walls of the dining and living area. Outside, the deck is stained Resene Woodsman Waterbourne Natural.
The new windows mimic the previous bi-folds and open right back to let the tree canopy come into the space. The deck is stained with Resene Woodsman Natural and the exterior walls are cedar and stained with Resene Woodsman Waterbourne Pitch Black.
The walls of the media room are painted in Midnight Express to create a cocooning space to curl up in. To the right, Resene Quarter Bison Hide can be seen on the walls of the dining area.
Looking out to the tree canopy from the media room. The feature wall on the left is painted Resene Midnight Express. The wall on the right is painted Resene Quarter Bison Hide and the deck is stained Resene Woodsman Waterbourne Natural.
A unique, hand-painted mural brings beauty and character to the master bedroom. The main wall colour is Resene Half Duck Egg Blue.
The spare bedroom ready and waiting for Deborah and Stuart’s children come to visit. The walls are in Resene Quarter Bison Hide.
From the harbour, you can catch a glimpse of the home between the trees. The timber cladding is stained Resene Woodsman Waterbourne Pitch Black.
architectural designerArthouse Architects
interiorsMarine Conrad (Chez Marine)
imagesKate MacPherson
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Pitch Black
Resene Pitch Black
Resene Natural
Resene Natural
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Midnight Express
Resene Midnight Express
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Half Duck Egg Blue
Resene Pitch Black
Resene Pitch Black
Resene Natural
Resene Natural
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
Resene Midnight Express
Resene Midnight Express
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.