Period renovation restores character

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A period restoration of a Taihape home helped Richards Construction take a National Gold Reserve Award in the Registered Master Builders 2005 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers. Richards Construction director Richard Ellery says the house had an understated elegance that had been compromised by previous alterations and additions over many decades. 

A key consideration in the redesign and renovation of the property was to ensure that the integrity of this original, almost historic home was enhanced, he says. ”It was exciting to look at this property, see the state it was in and know that with our input we would be able to restore its character.” 

The home was a labyrinth of small, dark rooms, requiring radical intervention to bring in the sunshine and increase space and fl ow. “We completely stripped and rebuilt many areas of this home. The kitchen, living and dining rooms, study, bathroom and deck areas were all modernised and enlarged,” 

Mr Ellery says. Light is channelled through the clever use of skylights and large glazed doors located on the sunny south side of the home. Builders installed ceiling, floor and wall insulation to ensure the home maintained warmth despite its spaciousness. 

Being announced a National Gold Reserve Award recipient was an honour for the team at Richards Construction. “We knew we had worked hard to achieve a high standard of work, and to have that recognised by your peers validates the detail in your approach,” Mr Ellery says. 

The team has been busy working on several interesting projects during the past few months, and have two entries in this year’s House of the Year competition. “Competing against your peers and testing the quality of your work can be nervewracking, but the rewards and satisfaction are worth it,” he says.

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