2026
Same-Same, but Different
Completed
Grey Lynn | Bungalow Renovation
A large-scale two-storey bungalow renovation in Grey Lynn — a gracious old lady, given new life without losing what made her grand in the first place. When we first visited, only the front rooms received sunlight. The south-facing backyard had left the rear of the house dark and disconnected from the garden. We worked with that constraint rather than against it, extending out the back with a new addition carefully positioned to catch the sun, with high-level windows and large glazed doors drawing light deep into the new living areas throughout the day. What was once the shadowed side of the house became the heart of family life.
Traditional in detail, generous in proportion
The addition gave the home a new second storey — four bedrooms plus a dedicated home office across two levels — while the ground floor reorganised itself around a logic that had always been missing. Open-plan kitchen with scullery, dining, and two living areas now flow naturally toward the new deck and outdoor dining area on the lawn. A separate service courtyard sits near the laundry and utilities room, and a two-car garage completes the plan without compromising the garden.
Character restored, not erased
We worked with the heritage features of this bungalow and introduced traditional character so the old and the new feel at ease. Lofty ceilings throughout the new areas are in keeping with the original bungalow’s high studs, creating a continuity of proportion that makes the house feel whole rather than added-to. The formal character of the existing house is further enriched with detailing in the skirting, panelling in the hallway, the design of the windows and cabinetry, right down to the door handles — every element chosen to enhance what was already there and make it sing.
A winter lounge for quiet moments
A winter lounge was created in hues of blue — a room that not only captures the afternoon sunlight but cleverly incorporates existing traditional features into the cabinetry. It has become a cosy retreat from the open-plan space: a room for time alone, away from the busy family and entertaining areas. With its majestic proportions and elegant detailing, this Grey Lynn bungalow now sits as a very comfortable family retreat from city life.
A winter lounge was created in hues of blue which not only captures the afternoon sunlight but cleverly incorporates existing traditional features into the cabinetry
When we first visited, only the front rooms received sunlight — a south-facing backyard solved with high-level windows and large glazed doors
The formal character of the existing house is further enriched with detailing in the skirting, panelling in the hallway, the design of the windows and cabinetry, right down to the door handles
A new deck, outdoor dining area, and lawn — a south-facing backyard, finally connected to the sun
Renovating a heritage bungalow in Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, or the wider Auckland area?
If you have a character bungalow with a south-facing backyard that is not working as hard as it should — or a home that deserves a second storey and a proper sense of proportion — we would love to talk about what is possible. Get in touch to start the conversation, or browse more bungalow renovation projects for inspiration.
Photography
Simon Devitt
