Remuera Heritage Renovation Remuera

The Architectural Lineage and Brief

This project involved the sensitive alteration and contemporary expansion of a prominent Remuera residence originally designed by eminent 1920s architect Sholto Smith. Known for his robust Arts and Crafts and Tudor Revival vernacular, Smith's original building possessed a distinct structural weight and historic character. The brief required a significant extension that would provide modern functional layout improvements while acting as a complementary, respectful companion—a younger sibling to the heritage original, rather than a literal replication.

Reinterpreting Form and Materiality

Our design response honors the primary massing of the historic structure but translates the geometry into a clean, contemporary architectural language. We repeated the original paint-finished weatherboard detailing and timber shingle accents to maintain a strong material dialogue across the property. However, to clearly demarcate the transition from old to new, the addition replaces the traditional clay roof tiles of the original house with a crisp, folded metal roof system. This approach creates a sharp, modern silhouette that respects the historical forms without mimicking them.

Current Progress

The project is currently in the final stages of completion and is preparing for architectural photography. By balancing historic preservation with confident, modern design interventions, the completed transformation preserves the integrity of Sholto Smith’s original vision while equipping the character home for a new generation.