Case Study: Transforming a Classic Kiwi Bungalow
What: 1930s Weatherboard Bungalow Extension Project 
Where: Pokeno, Franklin District, South Auckland
Builder: Lane van den Brink, Smith & Sons Franklin
Clients: Gurtar Singh and Balbir Kaur
Original Layout: 4 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
New Layout: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Extension Size: 65.25m2 plus a Deck of 102m2
Brief: Rural home on 5.47 hectares requiring modernisation and new open plan living with outdoor flow.
The Vision: The existing house was moved onto the property about 20 years ago and was cold and damp. The clients wanted make their home warm and dry, keep the existing amount of bedrooms but add an ensuite to the master bedroom and create a new laundry room. They also wanted to open up the existing home and create a large open kitchen, dining and living area. The key for the clients was to open up the space but to still have clearly defined areas for cooking, dining and relaxing. They also wanted to be able to open up all of the new living areas onto a large outdoor deck area that could be used most of the year.
Before: The Existing Interior Kitchen and Living Areas
The Interior: The floor plan for the new extension created addtional space for the new kitchen, dining and living areas. There were various internal layout changes to reconfigure the existing floor plan to make best use of available space:
- The team at Smith & Sons Franklin removed the existing kitchen and turned the space into a new master bedroom with ensuite.
- The old bathroom was removed and a new bathroom was made in one of the old existing bedrooms. The old bathroom space was turned into the new laundry with a hot water cylinder.
- The existing living area was split into a media room and a family room which connects to the new kitchen and living room extension. In the new living areas, the clients opted for timber laminate flooring and in the bedrooms new carpet was installed.
- In the living room a new Masport McKenzie Fireplace was added to create a focal point and provide warmth.
- In the new kitchen a walk-in pantry space was created to keep storage clean and tidy.
Throughout the decision making processes, both the clients and the team at Smith & Sons Franklin were mindful of retaining and continuing with the character of the original house.
After: The New Interior Kitchen, Living & DIning Areas 
The Exterior: As well as creating a large deck area with covered outdoor dining space, the whole exterior of the home was also repainted in white.
- Cladding for the new extension was timber weatherboard matching the existing home, all painted in Dulux Half Lyttleton.
- The new windows and doors are aluminium joinery, from the APL Metro Series in Appliance White.
- The new roof is corrugated Endura Coloursteel in Gull Grey, chosen to match the existing roof. Marley Stormcloud PVC spouting in white was also chosen to match existing.
- The deck of just over 100m2 in size was constructed with premium pine decking in 100mm.
The Exterior Transformed – Front of Home Repainted and Back of Home with Outdoor Living Area & Extension
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The Results: The extension project has given the clients large new interior and exterior living and dining spaces to enjoy. The cottage retained it's 1930's charm but was brought up to standard with a fresh coat of paint and a more modern interior. New insulation and double glazed joinery add to creating a warmer home and the new fire provides extra heat in the winter months.
To find out more about Smith & Sons Franklin visit their website or call Lane and the team on 0800 764 846.
A printable version of this Case Study is available for download below.