Humble bach undergoes award-winning transformation

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Ian McCully Builders Ltd’s renovation of a humble bach in Nelson was the winning entry in the PlaceMakers Renovation under $250,000 category in the Registered Master Builders 2006 House of the Year.

Positioned on a typically steep Nelson site, this renovation builds very cleverly on what was there before, maintaining the original footprint but radically transforming the interior.
In 2003, architect John Palmer was given a brief to “make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, competition judges said.

The renovation included a new curved form, containing a bedroom and ensuite, and a bathroom for the second bedroom which opens on to a court through French doors.
This comprehensive renovation, with only two rooms essentially untouched, really impressed the judges.

Seamless flowing spaces

“This humble bach has been transformed into a home offering seamless flowing spaces between the two bedrooms and an open-plan living area with three zones. Value for money has seldom been more manifest.

”Well-designed and assembled timber sliding and bi-folding windows and doors open from the living room to a new deck, offering stunning views. The living room flows easily to a stylish and functional kitchen.

The roof of the house was replaced with new corrugate, and the floor repiled and levelled. Storage was obtained by cleverly adding a loft space in the roof of the kitchen, which is accessed by a drop-down ladder.

A carport and screen were added on the southern side of the property, with a deck to the west and boundary adjustment to the north.
The galley laundry, bathrooms and kitchen are of superb standard in layout and finish. Double glazing, extra insulation, tile and solid oak over concrete, and climate control have made for a very pleasant environment in which to relax and enjoy all year round.

Ian McCully says: “Generally there are unique issues with renovations, as you never know what is underneath the floorboards or in the ceiling of the existing house. It’s not until you take it apart that you really know what lies beneath.

Delighted to win

”Ian McCully Builders has been in the finals for four of the past six years, and has been delighted to win several awards.
“This competition is highly respected in the building industry, and it reinforces our high building standards,” Mr McCully says.

Mr McCully and his team of builders enjoy being kept on their toes by the challenge of each new project with the knowledge that “you are only as good as your last job”.
“To be a winner it’s all about the complete package: the project, the builder, the client and the timing. But there is also an amount of luck involved,” he adds.

Mr McCully offers this advice to builders contemplating entering the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers House of the Year competition: “Don’t be afraid to enter or to lose. Enjoy the occasion and give it a go.”

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