On the strength of our successful renovation of their home (see 100 Years Young), our clients commissioned this new apartment over the existing double garage.
Wellington City Council planning rules for infill housing imposed a single-storey height limit. However, with a carefully reasoned argument that the project would provide much-needed housing close to the CBD without adversely affecting surrounding properties, we were able to get planning approval.
The floor area is only slightly more than the double garage. Thoughtful planning fitted within this space a double bedroom, open-plan living-dining-kitchen, full bathroom and laundry. By sliding part of the new addition out over the driveway, we created a private, sunny outdoor living space at the rear. This offset plan is emphasised by the contrasting coloured cladding in the cutout corners.
Exterior colours were chosen to complement the backdrop of native trees, with the subdued dark olive profiled metal cladding complemented by acid-yellow paneling and balustrading and the pohutukawa-red handrail and window hood. In the bedroom, one wall was lined with native timber paneling made from bookshelves salvaged from the original house.
The owners say:
"Shirley and I really appreciate the 1 bedroom apartment Wright and Gray designed for us, built on top of our garage. Working to a very defined budget, they developed a design that was much more exciting than we had envisaged.
Delivering unexpected privacy on a public site, the space constraints were well addressed. We were especially happy with how the apartment, while contemporary, fits into its context in an established and green suburb.
Wright and Gray provided end to end service to our genuine satisfaction.
This apartment has been a formal rental, and more recently AirBnB accommodation. All our tenants and guests share our excitement and satisfaction with the design"
Gavin & Shirley, Kelburn
