Hidden Depths

Behind its traditional frontage, this Wellington villa provides a model for contemporary living

- Catherine Steel

BACKGROUND

From the street, the Baird family home in Island Bay, Wellington, is a graceful villa typical of many colonial homes in the capital. But step inside and you’ll find a modern abode complete with concrete floors, a light-filled atrium and a sound-absorbing ceiling.

Duncan and Catherine Baird (parents to Gemma, Eva and Greta) found the house online while living in the Hokianga in 2011. But at the time it was rundown and on its last legs. “It was a ‘worst house on the best street’ scenario,” says Duncan. After visiting the open home, he and Catherine came up with a plan for something contemporary that would work well for their growing family.

Respecting the home’s historical charm while bringing it into the 21st century was one of the aims of the renovation. With its beautiful south-facing frontage and north-facing rear, the house was ripe for an upgrade. Using the guidance of Wellington architects Atelierworkshop, the couple brought it back to life – with a modern twist.

PLANNING

The couple took possession in late 2011, but then decided to rent out the house and head to South Australia to save some money for the renovation. Before departing, the Bairds met with their old friend architect Cecile Bonnifait from Atelierworkshop to kick off the design process. They continued the dialogue by email while living in the Australian outback.

“When we returned to New Zealand in late 2012, we bashed out a few walls and did a bit of painting, then shivered through a few Wellington seasons while we completed the design phase. We moved into a house-sit for the major works,” Duncan says. Building started in 2014 and the family moved into their completed home in 2015.

LAYOUT