Upper Plain Renovation is an architectural remodelling of a modest 70’s farmhouse located in rural Wairarapa.
The client brief was simply to create an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe for the master bedroom, as well as more functional outdoor living spaces. The design was to retain much of the existing envelope, structure, footprint, and cladding while creating a contemporary second-story addition that dramatically contrasts the original building.
The architectural response is a bold intervention that utilises a variety of roof forms to create a visually striking addition that stands in contrast to the original farmhouse. The new covered outdoor spaces are designed to connect seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, with a mix of low pitched membrane and polycarbonate pergolas creating various outdoor living zones for dining, sitting, and outdoor cooking.
Within a private setting on manicured grounds, the original stucco dwelling was a simple structure with limited potential for extending at ground level. A second story “black box” addition was proposed clad in black stained Lunawood vertical shiplap, which provides a sleek and modern contrast against the traditional gable forms of the existing building. The resulting programme incorporates: three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dramatic double-height entrance, and a new kitchen along with multiple outdoor living zones.
The project is structurally complex but has been executed with sensitivity to the existing building fabric, with minimal imposition on the existing structure and internal layout. This approach has allowed the renovation to retain much of the original character and charm of the farmhouse while creating contemporary and functional living spaces that meet the client’s needs.
The interior design, carried out by the Design Co, is a beautiful and complementary addition to the architecture with the use of oak flooring, stained timbers, marble benchtops, and a textural palette of rusted reds and deep greens. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the bespoke furniture and lighting selections along with an internal garden that brings a touch of nature into the heart of the home.
Upper Plain Renovation is an exceptional example of an architectural renovation that confidently expresses contemporary architectural language in dialogue with traditional building forms, resulting in bold yet functional spaces that meet the client’s need while respecting the original building’s character and charm.
