Character conversion

Nestled in the avenues of Tauranga, this character home, once famous for the grand brick staircase on its front façade, has undergone an extensive renovation to bring it back to its former glory.

Ryan Seath and his LOCHRYAN Builders team, guided by the design from Andrew Ward of Mod Architecture, reinstated the two level family home after a 1990s renovation had split it into two flats. “The entire house was reconfigured and given a makeover, including new plumbing, wiring, spouting, and ventilation and security systems, all set off by modern black joinery,” says Ryan.

Guests are now welcomed by a striking new staircase, which stretches from the open-plan living area on the lower level, to the landing and bedrooms on the upper level. Its two large black steel stringers and handrails were fabricated by a local welder. The adjoining treads were machined from douglas fir, repurposed from the original lintels. “Installation took skill and tenacity,” says Ryan. “We wanted it to be perfect.”

Executing the homeowner’s vision to modernise the property while retaining its charm, several traditional elements were carefully removed for future use. Where possible, new features were matched to the building’s original style. The modern, floor-to-ceiling-tiled bathrooms showcase reeded shower glass, a nod to the opaque glass used in the former kitchen. Ryan’s team also painstakingly lifted and denailed the rimu tongue and groove flooring, storing it to be relaid months later.

“Retaining original features, and recycling materials wherever we can, is our passion. We reused every single brick from the old staircase and fireplace to clad around the new sliders and bifold doors,” says Ryan, who leans on his skills honed from a decade of renovating 19th century character properties in Europe.

Downstairs, modern touches play a starring role. Crisp white walls in the living areas flow to light stone benchtops, contrasting with dark oak cabinetry. A lower level office and guest bathroom is concealed behind a seamless door secured with a magnetic latch, while built-in storage creates a partition between the entrance and the lounge, its feature timber panelling matching the flooring.

But with 80 percent of the partitions removed, it is the extensive amount of steel concealed within the walls that is most impressive. “Brick clad houses are constructed without a cavity fixed to the framing, so large steel portals, lifted into place by hi-abs, extend from the foundations to the soffit on the second floor to provide structural integrity,” explains Ryan.

Ryan says it was a highly skilled team of renovation specialists and contractors who came together to ensure all the important touches were preserved inside the now contemporary space. “As we handed over the keys, we knew we had crafted a beautiful, modern home that proudly upholds its original charm.”

Making your home warm and cosy in the winter, yet light and cool in the summer, is now possible with the right window furnishings. We can help create amazing looking windows while keeping them functional.

Warmth can be a big issue in New Zealand homes; however, our wide range of thermal linings, interlinings and thick fabrics can help keep any home warmer and more energy efficient. With the correct treatments, a barrier can be created between the cold outside and the warm inside your home. And while air temperature can be an issue in New Zealand, the harshness of the sun is just as worrying. Fading is a major problem, but with the right window treatments you can prevent this damage. Sun filter roller blinds or beautiful sheers will make all the difference, whilst still looking elegant.

The luxury feel that a curtain brings to a room, is unmatched by anything else. With the right balance of colour, texture and length, curtains complete a space. Our curtains are all hand made in New Zealand, making each set bespoke original pieces, created uniquely for your home.

Curtain trends have changed a lot over the years, with some trends having come full circle. Velvet is, again, all the rage! With all the bright velvet colours now available, we find ourselves hanging these vibrant and luxurious curtains in warm bedrooms more than ever. Linen has always been in, and we don’t think it’s going anywhere. No matter the home, with its timeless appearance, linen will always look gorgeous.

Although Little & Fox love curtains, should they not be the right fit for your home, we can offer alternatives. Our newest trend is shutters, and we are putting more and more into homes. Practical for all areas, shutters can be adjusted with the light throughout the day and give a home a great finish. We LOVE them! Alternatively, some rooms are better suited to blinds. Both are practical options and can provide your home with the warmth and homely feel you are seeking.

Little & Fox are here to help make all your window furnishing dreams come true! Be practical, be warm, and do it while looking fabulous.

by Asha Payton, Designer littleandfox.co.nz