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Granny-Flatting in Style Beside the Family

Getting Started

Many homes in Takanini are within the suburban housing developments that have been developed throughout the area in recent decades; their land plots average about 215m2. Fortunately, for homeowner Kate, her property was built in the 1990s on a much more sizable (990m2) piece of land.

Kate’s mother, Sheryl, and her many pets, were living in a tiny home on the property but needed more space and comfort long-term. One option was for the entire family to move house, but Kate and Sheryl wanted to explore the possibility of building a self-contained unit on the existing site. Kate reached out to Refresh Renovations for expert advice on what might be practicable.

Local Manukau Renovation Consultant, Kim Reiche, visited the property to discuss the potential project. Upon surveying the site, she determined that the space was both adequate and ideal for building a granny flat. There was no need to move house after all.

Before

After

Concept Designs and Council Applications

After ascertaining both mother and daughter priorities, Kim and her talented team got to work on designs for the project. The granny flat would be an extension on one side of the property and be completely self-contained with its own identity and flair. But to maintain continuity with the existing home’s exterior, Kim proposed some minor modifications to the cladding that would blend the two structures while keeping them defined as separate entities.

The granny flat and cladding changes needed council approval, so Kim ensured a full and detailed consent application was submitted. Upon review, the council requested complex alterations involving the firewall between the existing home and the proposed extension. These alterations required the expertise of a fire engineer. Kim organised the appropriate professionals, resolved the issue, and consent was eventually granted.

Navigating COVID Challenges

The council wasn’t the only challenge the project was faced with. Kim’s team had to work around Auckland’s multiple COVID-related restrictions while the site was under construction, which delayed the finish date by nine weeks. Throughout the disrupted schedule, Kim maintained transparent communication with Kate and Sheryl and did an excellent job keeping things moving when she could, and well organised when she couldn’t.

First Impressions

The granny flat is fantastic and its distinctive personality is obvious from the outset. The entranceway is welcoming; framed in natural timber, a black panel with an etched nature scene provides both privacy and acts as an art piece leading to a mini-patio.

Grey cladding on the extension matches that on the new gabled entranceway of the main home. Painting a portion of the existing exterior grey has also helped to create an overall cohesive design of the two dwellings, and complements the existing brick facade.

Chic Interior Design

Sheryl’s new home has a bright and modern interior that is cosy and inviting. The kitchen has high-end and stylish finishings. Its focal point is the marble herringbone splashback, framed by sleek white cabinetry and stone benchtops. Between the wall unit and the island, there’s plenty of storage and workspace. Utilising the island as a seating area eliminates the need for formal dining and saves room for the spacious lounge.

Indoor-outdoor flow is a key component in Sheryl’s new home. Exterior doors in both the kitchen and lounge open wide and lead out onto the wrap-around deck, which has enough room for some bohemian patio furniture and a portable aviary for her beloved birds.

Back inside, timber flooring runs throughout the dwelling, adding design cohesiveness. Timber is also a major element in the bathroom; it frames the mirrored medicine cabinet and has been used in the floating vanity. Chrome finishings and a crisp white ceramic bowl basin provide contrast and balance the design perfectly.

That’s a Wrap

Kim has provided both a fabulous compact home for Sheryl and a beautifully updated property for Kate. Oriented for full sun, the property has been fully utilised, privacy is ensured, and easy vehicle access has been maintained… decisions that Kim made with careful consideration, as only an expert can. Sheryl loves her airy new home and Kate is ecstatic with the results.

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