Photography by John Williams.
Stack bonded masonry the star in 1950s addition
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The team at Johnston Architects beautifully bridged the gap between old and new on this Remuera pool house renovation using 20 Series Grey Masonry Blocks from Firth which were featured in the original section of the home built in the 1950s. The extension has been carefully and seamlessly designed, making it hard to tell the old from the new.
To improve the disconnect between the three elements - swimming pool, pool house and outdoor living - the same ‘basic’ grey masonry blocks that were used in the original house were chosen for the new ‘guest house’ addition which provides elegant accommodation and outdoor entertaining spaces to the rear of a handsome, modernist residence in Remuera, Auckland. The end result is a stunning visual cohesion that complements the home’s modernist design while tying old and new together.
“Our clients already had what was, on paper, an enviable backyard set-up with a swimming pool, decks and pool house,” says Matt Jeffery of Johnston Architects. “However, the lack of connection between these elements meant the outdoor spaces were awkward to use and therefore under-utilised.”
A covered link with retractable, louvred roof, woodburning oven and integrated barbeque creates a sunny yet sheltered outdoor entertaining space at the centre of the property, whilst also providing seamless connections between the original residence, swimming pool and new guest house.
“The use of stack bonded concrete masonry references the materiality of the original dwelling whilst large sliding doors provide natural daylighting and ventilation,” says Matt. “Screens have been introduced to the new addition and existing house to provide visual privacy between the two zones and creates a delightful play of light and sense of openness to the guest bedroom.”
The house has also been featured in Home Magazine (@homemagazine.nz).