Earlier in the year, we were approached to take on a villa restoration in Thorndon, Wellington.
The clients purchased their new home at the end of 2023, relocated overseas for a few months and decided to take on a renovation from afar.
The brief was simple:
Remove scrim
Remove chimney/fireplace
Extend the kitchen
Add a new toilet room
Create an office space in the garage
Redo floors and walls throughout
Keep the home in character
The CATCH.......work needs to be completed within a month as the clients are returning home.
Restoring a villa to its former glory is no small feat, especially when faced with a tight timeline and the challenge of coordinating multiple trades. Our recent project was a whirlwind of activity, transforming a classic villa into a functional space while working against the clock. Here’s a glimpse into our month-long renovation journey, where every day was packed with progress and transformation.
A Month of Non-Stop Action
With just one month to bring our vision to life, we knew that construction needed to be full steam ahead. From the outset, our team orchestrated a carefully choreographed schedule, ensuring that each stage of the restoration was completed efficiently and on time.
Tackling the Demolition and Structural Changes
The first order of business was to address the structural changes required to modernise the villa. Removing the chimney was a major undertaking, but it was essential for the new design, which was to construct a brand-new WC in its place, making the villa more functional for its new owners.
Coordinating Multiple Sub-Trades
One of the most challenging and critical aspects of the restoration was managing and scheduling the various sub-trades involved. Between our team, plumbers, painters/plasters, foundation experts and electricians, each team had to work in harmony to ensure a seamless transition from one phase to the next.
Revamping the Floors
Once the carpentry work was complete, the focus shifted to the floors. Since we had removed the fireplace and hearth we had the challenge of finding flooring to tie in with the existing, to our delight another restoration was taking place down the road where they were disposing of the exact timber we needed. Four Star Flooring was engaged to sand and varnish the existing Kauri floors and restore them to their natural beauty. The restoration of the wooden floors was a meticulous process, but the results were well worth the effort.
But the most exciting aspect of the renovation was....
In creating the new toilet, the goal was to create a space that felt as though it had always been part of the villa, maintaining the property’s classic character while providing modern functionality.
The design and installation of the new toilet room were approached with the utmost care to ensure that it felt like a natural extension of the villa.
From selecting period-appropriate fixtures such as a traditional pedestal sink with ornate tapware and a timeless classic-shaped toilet that helped to evoke the appeal of bygone eras. The modernized check-pattern flooring is reminiscent of traditional Victorian designs. This not only added a touch of authenticity but also provided a striking visual element that complemented the room’s vintage fixtures. The picture rail wall detailing echoes historical style while framing the room and adding a touch of architectural interest.
Every decision was made with the goal of preserving and enhancing the villa’s original charm whilst bridging the gap between the new and the old.
By combining traditional design elements with modern amenities, the new WC not only meets contemporary standards of comfort and convenience but also respects and enhances the villa’s historical character. It stands as a testament to thoughtful design, ensuring that every aspect of the villa—old or new—contributes to a cohesive and harmonious living space.
The Final Result
After a month of intense work and careful coordination, the villa was transformed into a stunning blend of classic charm and modern functionality. The new layout, updated electrical, refreshed floors, and contemporary finishes all contributed to a revitalised space that honours the villa’s heritage while meeting the needs of today’s lifestyle.
Our tight timeline was certainly a challenge, but the end result was a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.
Restoring a villa is more than just a renovation—it's about breathing new life into a cherished space. Our month-long journey was a testament to the power of teamwork, careful planning, and the art of balancing tradition with modernity.
Comments