Originally designed in 1979 by Trengrove and Blunt for their architectural practice, Dalman Architects repurposed the two-storey concrete block building into a contemporary inner-city residence, preserving the character and spatial qualities of the original architecture.

The design reconfigures the upper level for the primary living spaces and bedrooms, taking advantage of northern light, views to the Ōtākaro/Avon River opposite, and the new volume created by lifting the roof. The new exposed steel structure boldly frames the room.

An artist’s studio, office and workshop on the lower level, acknowledge the building's architectural origins whilst achieving the brief for a modern urban home and functional workspace.  A new rear extension provided additional garaging and a landscaped garden terrace.

The adaptive re-use extends the life of an existing building and reinforces its relationship with its surrounding urban landscape.

A few words from our clients:

“We contracted Dalman Architects to design a two bedroom apartment and work spaces within an existing two-storey office building. The long narrow building covered the entire width of the site and the height and pitch of the first floor trusses reduced the usable five metre width of the building. We wanted to retain the look from the exterior while gaining more usable space on the first floor.

The team at Dalman were wonderful and we felt engaged in the design process. The result is a spacious apartment, office, studio, workshop and garaging. The detailing is superb and complements the era of the original building design.

The whole process was an enjoyable and exciting one.”

Helen and Barry Calder, Owners

AWARDS & MEDIA

Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Local Architecture Awards:

• National Awards:  Winner (Housing: Alterations and Additions category)
• Local Awards:  Winner (Housing: Alterations and Additions category)
• Resene Colour Awards:  Winner

HERE Awards:

• Winner (Reuse and Renovation category)
• Finalist (Best House Aotearoa category)