Houghton Bay Renovation

For Wallace Architects this is the dream project, a tricky Wellington site with commanding views in all directions, along with cool clients and a cool brief.

A professional couple and their French Bulldog needed a house that could successfully accommodate their many varied hobbies: a brewery, a meditation space, a private sauna and spa area, a dog lawn and guest bedrooms that could double as home office spaces, all within a reasonable budget.

An existing single level pole house was previously built on the site as part of a cross lease development in the 1980s. Never intended as a forever home, the house was in serious need of some TLC. Together with the clients, the environmental decision was made to keep the house and work with it. The existing cedar cladding was stripped and dressed to provide beautiful tongue and grooved soffits and feature walls, offsetting the new black corrugated steel cladding and window joinery.

By building the brewery, sauna and deck area at a new basement level, the house was stabilised and the underutilised subfloor area made the most of. This level is very private, screened by the tree canopy but still maintaining gorgeous views. The new meditation space at the upper floor level is elevated into the sky, featuring a beautiful timber ceiling and generous skylights that create a feeling of expanse and uplift.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Saddle House

Situated on a gently sloping site with stunning views of the Porirua harbour and ocean beyond, this spacious new home has been thoughtfully designed to optimise both sunlight and vistas. The primary circulation axis of the house is centred on the saddle of the hill beyond, creating a focal point of the west coast ocean upon entering that expands as one moves throughout the residence.

From a double height entry space the house steps down and opens out to reveal a dramatic vista of the Porirua Harbour inlet and up towards Whitireia Park Reserve. Large honed black oxide concrete block walls frame the views and amplify the sense of drama. The side wall of the central living space angles out to embrace the full width of views and the ceiling is raised to let in maximum light.

The exposed concrete blocks create a feeling of timeless durability that stands in contrast to the generous use of glass and the lightness of the vertical cedar cladding. This design choice also allows the house to be partially buried in the landscape, reducing the visual bulk from the street. Combined with the concrete floor slab, the concrete blocks create a sense of tranquillity and stability amidst dynamic weather conditions.

The outdoor areas were an important organising element of the design. The main area is located to the north, directly off the living room, essentially another room with a fireplace and overhead operable roof. There is another courtyard space to the east of the house, off the kitchen, providing a more intimate area for outdoor living sheltered from the wind.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Bush House

Located adjacent to a conservation area of well established native bush, this home endeavours to make the most of its dramatic siting. It is organised around two central axes, one to the Korokoro Gorge and the other to the Cook Strait. The house forms an L-shape tucked around the corner of a steeply sloping section.

This simple shape enabled two distinct areas: the private bedroom wing oriented to the Gorge, and the more public living wing oriented to the spectacular views out to Wellington harbour and the Cook Strait.

The owners' Sri Lankan heritage added a layer of cultural richness and informed much of the material selection and organisation of spaces. Elements such as courtyards, exposed timber beams and bamboo are typical in Sri Lankan houses, integrated here in a contemporary way. The appeal of courtyard spaces also enabled Wallace Architects to provide several alternative outdoor spaces offering shelter in the varying dynamic Wellington wind conditions.

Designed with environmentally sensitive materials including bamboo flooring and cabinetry throughout the interior, the exterior is clad with stained cedar weatherboards to complement the bush setting. The house is orientated to maximise solar gain and minimise heat loss through insulation and careful placement of doors and windows, making it very comfortable, quiet, and with a sense of harmony with its surroundings.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Artist's Studio

Prominent artist Jacqui Colley required a studio space to create her often large-scale works of art. Working from home was the ideal solution, so she engaged Wallace Architects to come up with a scheme that would maximise the existing property.

Located in Lowry Bay, Wellington on a north facing steeply sloped hillside overlooking the bay, the new studio occupies the basement level of an existing 1960s house. This provided a beautiful, secluded space and the opportunity for a new outdoor living area above directly off the existing living room.

A treehouse typology was adopted to capture the sense of being suspended amongst the tree canopy. The new deck above cantilevers over the studio space below, providing an overhang for shade and covered pergolas at both levels, offering shelter from the rain to either sit and enjoy the views, or carry out artworks involving chemicals.

At the heart of this project is the deep connection Jacqui and her family have with this place, their respect for the trees, the stream, the sea, the wharf, the birds.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Eastbourne House Renovation

An existing well-designed Moller house in Eastbourne has been transformed for modern living and the particular needs of the clients. The house on a flat section was originally designed in 1979 by Gordon Moller Architect.

The project involved the demolition of an existing annex and replacement with a new contemporary pavilion, including a kitchen and scullery and improved visual and physical access to the family room. The garage was extended to accommodate a disability vehicle and additional workroom and storage.

Wallace Architects felt it was essential to respect the character of the existing house whilst also providing something new and uplifting. The existing raw materials, concrete block and cedar, were employed but put together under a floating roof that lets in light and views of the hills.

A new entry pond creates beautiful reflections on the ceiling, enhancing the sense of floating. The result is a home that feels both rooted in its origins and completely renewed.

Photography, Paul McCredie

T House

The T House project is a new house that beautifully captures the essence of beachfront living. The home's T-shaped configuration is created by its long, narrow second-storey bedroom wing positioned at right angles to the ground floor living wing, providing overhangs and reducing the overall bulk.

The design was carefully planned to provide enough space for a large family of six children and two dogs while still minimising its overall footprint. The T-shaped configuration included a top-level spanning east to west, allowing the north sun to penetrate each of the bedrooms, while the ground floor living area spans north to south, maximising the views and use of the site. This configuration reduces the visual bulk of the building and provides generous overhangs to the ground floor outdoor living area.

The exterior of the house features a combination of natural wood cladding and crisp white stucco, providing a modern yet warm aesthetic. Large windows and sliding glass doors offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and bring natural light deep into the interior.

Stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the home's bright, airy feel. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is defined by a high-ceiling pavilion that maximises the views and features stunning high-level glazing. The space is flooded with natural light and designed for easy entertaining, with seamless indoor-outdoor flow to decks and a covered outdoor living area adjacent to the pool.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Hill to Harbour House

This extensive renovation of an existing two-storey house is a celebration of family life and beautiful scenery. Located adjacent to a beachfront promenade at the base of Wellington's Eastern Hills, the arrangement of spaces facilitates a strong connection between the hills and the harbour.

Expansive views across the beach to the sea and city beyond can be enjoyed from a private but open living area, made more dramatic by a suspended fireplace. A window seat nook within this space was incorporated to capture views of the Kaikoura Range in a more intimate setting.

A generous central hallway with its axis centred on Mākaro Island links the main living with the kitchen and a second outdoor living space with views back to the hills. When Wellington's famous southerly rolls in, this area can still be enjoyed under a covered pergola in a sheltered tranquil garden setting, warmed by an outdoor fireplace.

The upper floor was reconfigured to provide more generous bedrooms and efficient access to the shared bathroom. An under-utilised outdoor deck was converted to an ensuite bathroom with a built-in bath that overlooks the harbour, a uniquely special private bathing experience.

Photography, Paul McCredie and Simon Wilson

Tinakori Road Extension

The brief to provide an extension to this historic Italianate Villa in Tinakori Road was an exciting challenge for Wallace Architects. The owners required a distinct living wing designed for the third generation of their family, with maximum private outdoor living area.

Wallace Architects resolved the issues presented by a tightly contained inner city site by designing a new pavilion organised along the southern boundary, replacing two derelict sheds. The pavilion is semi-buried into the landscape to reduce the impact on the neighbouring property and allow easy flow from the existing house to the garden.

Although constrained in floor area, high ceilings were provided to give a sense of spaciousness, and large sliding doors give a generous connection to the exterior terrace. The style of the extension is classically modern to complement the existing villa, brought to life by the planting design completed by Hedge Garden Design and Nursery.

Along with a fantastic quality build by Overton Associates Builders and the great sense of style brought by the owners, the overall result is one of timeless elegance.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Thorndon Bowling Club

Previously converted into a residential property, the new owners purchased the iconic Thorndon Bowling Club with the intention of creating a spacious home for their family, drawn to the eccentric character of the building. Wallace Architects were invited by Mary Daish Architect to collaborate on this project.

Although full of potential and character, the Bowling Club was not suitably planned for the new family and was cold and dark. Essentially the upper level was rebuilt within the existing building envelope, the upper level deck repositioned, new lighting, heating, windows, insulation and cabinetry installed to completely revive the old building into a warm, light and practical space.

Mary Daish was the lead architect, resolving the sketch design and detailed cabinetry design beautifully. Wallace Architects were primarily engaged for the developed and detailed design, working closely with Mary Daish to realise her vision. Working in association with Mary Daish and builder Steve King proved a highly effective team.

The result is a contemporary feel that complements the character of the original building, a home that is warm, light and full of personality, earning both a NZIA Local Architecture Award and a cover story in HOME New Zealand magazine.

Photography, Paul McCredie

Hawker Street Renovation

With a desire for a more sustainable way of life, our clients came to us with a brief to develop a small early century cottage in Mt Victoria, having just sold their large house up north. Inspired by their recent secondment in Vanuatu, they wanted to downsize, live with less and be close to the city.

Wallace Architects embraced the challenge of working within the constraints of a small inner-city site. The cottage was remodelled throughout and extended to include an additional family room and courtyard. Clever planning and maximum use of lofty ceilings and skylights means there is a generosity to the renovated house that belies its small footprint.

The site is located within the Mt Victoria Heritage Character Area. Wallace Architects considered it important that the historic features of the cottage be enhanced, and the newer lean-to addition to the back of the house removed. The modern elements incorporated are complementary rather than contrasting to the beautiful historic detailing.

There are no significant views from the site and the adjacent houses are in close proximity, so a private north-oriented courtyard space with a terrace garden was an important part of the overall planning. A large over-wall sliding door running into a set of bi-folds opens up the family room to this courtyard. Storage space is incorporated wherever possible, including a sewing room that closes off from the dining room with bi-fold doors when not in use.

Mt Victoria City Pad

When Wallace Architects first visited this 1890's cottage in Mt Victoria they were charmed by its character and tiny footprint (3.5m wide) although it was clearly in need of rejuvenation.

Located in Elizabeth Street Heritage Area, this 19th century workers cottage remains an authentic piece of architectural history that continues to contribute to the unique character of the street. It demonstrates the kind of house that the city's working class lived in at the time, narrow and closely abutted but tall with a generous ceiling height. Records have it that this house was built in 1894 and the external envelope has remained largely unchanged since, albeit upgraded and maintained in keeping.

The client's original brief was to review the back portion of the lower floor to include a new kitchen, laundry, dining room and study within a small area. Our design approach was to place the kitchen and laundry units along one side of the space, allowing maximum utility while enabling the full width of the end wall to be opened up to a rear courtyard. New skylights lighten up the interior and give a greater sense of space.

After the completion of this first stage we were engaged to review other spaces in the house together with a new owner, who had a strong sense of design and wished to continue the style of the renovations throughout the house.

A large Tasmanian oak full height sliding door replaced a section of wall to allow the living room to connect with the rear of the house. A custom bench seat in the existing bay window and bedroom joinery have been designed to provide elegant storage solutions and maximise the feeling of space. New efficient wardrobe units were installed in the upstairs bedrooms and the bathroom upgraded, and new paint and floor finishes throughout.

The key success of this project was making the most of the height to provide a gallery style feeling of openness and light despite the small footprint.

This renovation first featured in a Dominion Post article in 2008 then later after the second renovation in Trends magazine article 2011.

Waitarere Beach House

Located amidst the sand dunes of Waitarere Beach, this new house design strives to encapsulate the beauty of its beachfront location whilst providing a perfect haven for a retired couple and their family to come together.

The brief included the owners' love for mid-century modern design, its openness and horizontal flat roof forms, whilst at the same time wanting a house that looked like it had always been there. Our solution was a simple overall form with generous roof overhangs and well-located large doors and windows, drawing inspiration from the surroundings for the use of materials.

Vertical Abodo timber cladding was chosen as it is designed to age gracefully and has the weathered appearance of driftwood, thermally modified for durability and locally owned, milled and grown from NZ renewable forests. To complement the timber, the lower-level walls have a soft sand-plastered finish that blends with the dunes. Natural anodised aluminium for the doors, windows, louvres and roof trim adds a touch of the modern while reflecting the shimmering of the sea.

Overall the exterior is soft, gentle and weathered, a house that belongs to its landscape from the moment it arrives.

Roxburgh Street House

Perched on a compact 302m² site in Mt Victoria, Wellington, this house design reimagines the urban villa typology as a contemporary penthouse-style residence that celebrates both Mt Victoria's rich architectural heritage and Wellington's spectacular harbour setting.

The design responds to the neighbourhood's established character through considered use of vernacular materials, heritage Wellington brick, rusticated weatherboards, and corrugated iron, assembled in a distinctly contemporary composition. Rather than imitating period styles, the home employs heritage anchor elements in its detailing while respecting the scale, proportion and rhythm of the surrounding streetscape, confidently expressing its own time.

Navigating the site's covenant restrictions and topography, the multi-level design strategically positions living spaces to capture premium north-facing views over Wellington city, Oriental Parade, and the harbour beyond. The middle floor opens to a sheltered courtyard with sunken terrace, creating an intimate outdoor room protected from Wellington's winds while framing dramatic city vistas.

Double-height spaces connect the levels with a sense of openness and spatial generosity rarely achieved on such a compact urban site. Material continuity between interior and exterior dissolves the boundary between inside and out, creating a home that is simultaneously grounded in its neighbourhood and elevated above it.

Newlands House & Gym Studio

Dramatic topography becomes architectural opportunity in this bold hillside design that transforms a steep site into a series of light-filled living spaces commanding spectacular Wellington Harbour views. The project integrates a professional fitness studio with family living, creating an inspiring environment where dramatic vistas fuel both daily life and athletic pursuit.

The fitness studio is perched at the highest point of the site to capture commanding south-east harbour views through floor-to-ceiling glazing. This placement not only maximises the inspirational outlook for clients but also establishes clear separation between business and residential functions. The studio's warm plywood-lined interior and exposed steel portals create an energising yet focused environment, with abundant natural light flooding the space throughout the day. Supporting facilities including office, kitchenette and bathroom ensure the studio operates independently from the family home.

The residential house descends down the hillside responding to the steep topography while maintaining visual connection to Wellington Harbour. The main living level features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with extensive glazing framing the dramatic views. Multiple outdoor spaces address Wellington's challenging wind environment, a deck wraps around the north-east corner, while a sheltered courtyard provides a protected alternative outdoor space.

Sky Lounge, Eastbourne

Nestled in the charming beachside village of Eastbourne, this project creates an exquisite three-bedroom house that optimises both space utilisation and the natural surroundings. Positioned on a back section, the house enjoys a private location adjacent to a right of way leading directly to a pedestrian walkway to the beach promenade.

This house is part of a larger development to maximise the value of the property. With the advent of new housing intensification regulations, the opportunity arose for a thoughtful and considerate development that kept the character of the neighbourhood. By repositioning and upgrading the existing bungalow, retaining the mature trees, and thoughtfully introducing an additional dwelling at the back of the property, the holistic design harmonises traditional and modern elements while maintaining the visual amenity of the street.

Using 3D computer modelling, Wallace Architects successfully identified the optimal positions of both residences to maximise privacy, outlook and solar access for each dwelling, a design that is both generous to its occupants and respectful of its neighbours.

Orihau Terrace Extension

A carefully considered extension and renovation to an existing Wellington home, currently in the building consent documentation stage with a target lodgement of May 2026.

The project expands the family's living space while maintaining the character and scale of the existing dwelling and its relationship to the street and neighbours. Considered planning ensures the addition feels like it was always part of the original house.

Further details and images will be published as the project progresses through to construction.