Modern new extension in Mt Albert
New build in Auckland
This architecturally designed home has been featured in numerous architectural magazines both in NZ and internationally. When the owners needed to extend, they trusted Bryce and his team to deliver a result that matched the quality and character of their Mt Albert property.
The challenge? Expand an 80-square-metre home without compromising the integrity of the original structure. The architect's solution was smart and sensitive: a self-contained one-bedroom pavilion located near the main house, creating a functional compound layout. The design brief focused on providing plenty of space for the owners' teenage children to host friends, while still giving the adults the luxury of their own quiet, well-organised retreat.
New build project features
This 159 square metre, two-level build was constructed with concrete formwork and flooring, with vertical cedar weatherboard detailing.
The upper level has a master bedroom, walk-in-wardrobe and ensuite.
The lower level consists of a large kitchen with scullery, dining and lounge.
The concrete floors are polished.
The ceilings are naked Russian Birch nestled between concrete ribs, with negative detailing.
Large windows and sliding stackers, create maximum light and indoor/outdoor flow.
The stairs were custom built-in place, also from Russian Birch.
The garage has a green roof and is situated beneath the stretch of lawn, allowing for more lawn and garden space as you look out from the living area.
A thoughtful addition
The new build echoes the original home with its combination of rendered walls, cedar and black steel detailing.
Downstairs features a spacious open-plan layout anchored by a large kitchen and sliding doors that fully retract to connect seamlessly with a generous courtyard, positioned above the garage.
Upstairs, a light-filled bedroom and bathroom enjoy expansive sliding windows that frame views across the rooftops to the distant Waitākere Ranges.
Qualitas project managed and coordinated the sub-trades needed to complete this build
The gradient of the site created some challenges. For example, the concrete floor grinding equipment and the free-standing bath needed to be lifted into the house by a HIAB/Crane, with a 30m reach. Being solutions focused is a requirement on many building sites and this one certainly gave us a few new situations to deal with.
Previously, the driveway stopped short at the front of the house. Now it extends down the slope to a double garage, cleverly topped with a lawn and courtyard garden.
Featured in HOME Magazine: a builder’s showcase of precision
This architect-designed new build was always going to demand a meticulous eye and an uncompromising approach to quality. Built for an architect with exacting standards, the project called for exceptional attention to detail, particularly in executing the crisp negative detailing and showcasing the premium materials selected throughout.
A key challenge was connecting the original dwelling to a striking new extension, all while working with the steep gradient of the site. It was a complex build that required not just technical skill, but a consistently solutions-focused mindset. The result is a stunning architectural home that we’re proud to see featured in HOME magazine, celebrating craftsmanship, collaboration, and clever problem-solving at every turn.
