Villa Restoration.
Preserving an era.
The opulence of the late 1800s (early 1900s ) Merivale villa needed to be approached with delicacy as its nonchalant grandeur was met with modern functionality. We saw this project as more of a preservation rather than a renovation.
With only a few minor changes in the 100 years since it was built by the famous London Brothers, we found the home rich in elements of eclectic and intricate design synonymous with the era. It was therefore paramount that the reinstatement of 62 Heaton was a careful restoration that would breathe a new life into the classical glamour without losing sight of its history.
Arts and craft features, such as the leadlight windows, the light tower, the wooden panelled walls, the grand wooden staircase and the arched doorway were identified. Around these hallmarks, a new and contemporary floor plan was designed; one that would carry out day to day family living with ease, and would be the ultimate space for the entertaining aficionado.
On the exterior, each window opening was enlarged and each leadlight window was removed, re-leaded, triple glazed and restored. The panelled walls were painted white, and built-in cabinetry was custom created to match.
A Tiffany’s lamp was taken from a living area and became the hero of one of the bathrooms. The wooden staircase, which was severely worn down and broken, had to be completely restored to evoke its former grandeur.
Disjointed, dark, and strange rooms, a common trait of late 1800’s homes, were transformed into one large, sprawling open plan living area. However in the interest of domestic practicality, the ability to still section off each room was introduced with the addition of dividing doors. To keep light flooding into the rooms even when they are closed, we had these doors made with replicas of the home’s exquisite leadlight windows found only on the upper exterior of the house originally.
Not only had this house stood the test of time, it also endured the earthquakes, a testament to its original craftsmanship. It was one of the few homes in the area to not be totally condemned after it was hit hard by the Christchurch Earthquakes.
This meant, however, that after the house was re-levelled there were a number of serious structural reinforcements that we needed to have engineered.
In essence, the house had been peeled back to a shell, all precious elements had been preserved and restored, and every function of modern family living had been considered and catered to.
An attribute to the exceptional attention to detail that went into this renovation, the property attracted a list of highly competitive buyers, Many suggesting it was the most beautiful home in Chrstchurch none of which had a single negative comment to make. Consequently, the value of the house was increased by the millions and the house sold for hundreds of thousands over CV.
Project Summary.
Rebuilt (strengthened) the foundations.
Added portals frames.
as replaced a second mains feed was added to keep all showers at full pressure.
Rebuilt the entire driveway.
Welsh slate was sourced to repair the roof.
The period gable ends were entirely rebuilt as was the chimney and fire place using stone from the original fire place.
The front porch entry was demolished and redesigned.
All the weatherboards were replaced.
The road side fence height was maximised by building an insitu concrete planter and stepping the fence back.
Double skinned lined with finished timber enhanced the inner sanctum.
Matching insitu concrete pillars enhanced the opulent gated entry completing the feeling of secure privacy.
The kitchen was moved to the hub of the home.
International award winning Cronin Kitchens produced clean lines and seamless flow to the palatial living areas, loggia and grounds.
The introduction of glass walls to the study, laundry and changing facilities optimised light, and seamless connectivity, through to the enticing indoor pool area.
Commercial ducting to all bedrooms and living areas optimises the air conditioning temperature control.
Underfloor heating to all tiled areas including the checkered main entry lobby releases heat up into the stairwell and upper hallways.
Duction was replaced and a second mains feed was added to keep all showers at full pressure.
