Waikare Street

Nestled in the tranquil, family-friendly suburb of Karori—just 4km from Wellington’s city centre—this thoughtfully designed renovation has transformed a once outdated home into a light-filled, contemporary haven. Seeking additional space for their growing family, the owners reimagined their 1950s home with a seamless blend of modern functionality and timeless character.
A striking new first-floor addition brings natural light into the home, with strategically placed skylights and north-facing windows above the stairwell and landing, brightening both levels. The upper floor now features a stylish new bathroom, a single bedroom, and a luxurious master retreat complete with a spacious walk-in wardrobe. The generously proportioned family bathroom includes a double vanity, a large tiled shower, and a freestanding bath, perfectly framed beneath a sunlit window.
Downstairs, a modern kitchen and cosy family room enhance the home’s functionality, creating a warm and inviting space for this family of five. Timber bi-fold doors open onto the existing deck and expansive lawn, maximizing indoor-outdoor flow and drawing in picturesque views of mature trees. This transformation breathes new life into the previously dark master bedroom and outdated kitchen, infusing both with natural light and a renewed connection to the outdoors.
Respecting the home’s original charm, the extension is clad in weatherboard to match the existing structure and surrounding homes. The carefully designed roofline and north-facing feature window mirror the original architecture, ensuring the new addition sits harmoniously within its surroundings. The result is a beautifully modernized home that honours its heritage while embracing contemporary living.