Shift House is a beautiful example of what can happen when architecture, craftsmanship and heritage come together. Located along Franklin Road, one of Auckland’s most iconic heritage-lined streets, this Victorian villa was transformed by Natasha Markham, Director of MAUD, into a contemporary family home that is both deeply personal and quietly elegant.
As the construction partner on this award-winning renovation, Faulkner Construction was proud to work alongside Natasha in bringing her vision to life, a vision that respected the home’s past while creating space for modern family living.
A design grounded in experience
Natasha had lived in the villa for seven years before beginning its transformation. That insight shaped everything - from the functional layout changes to the tactile material palette. MAUD's design wasn’t just architectural, it was intuitive and rooted in lived experience. Every detail responded to the way Natasha and her family moved, gathered and retreated throughout the day.
At Faulkner, we took pride in translating those design decisions into a built outcome. From the villa’s original footprint through to the new two-storey addition at the rear, every step required precision and care. Working with an architect who understood both the creative and technical sides of construction made for a seamless and rewarding collaboration.
Heritage meets modernity
Homes like Shift House call for sensitivity - not just to materials and history, but to flow, tone and atmosphere. The villa’s original character was preserved, while the new extension introduced a fresh layer of texture and energy.
One of the most memorable features is the red brick flooring in the lower living area, a design decision inspired by bricks salvaged from the original home. These were carefully re-integrated, anchoring the new space in a sense of continuity and memory.
As you move from the formal rooms of the villa into the open-plan addition, the mood shifts. The palette becomes more relaxed. Materials become tactile. The home’s layout encourages both connection and retreat, an ideal balance for family life.
Supporting sustainability and everyday living
Shift House was also designed with sustainability in mind. Natasha’s decisions, from photovoltaic panels to energy-efficient appliances, were made with a long-term view. As builders, we ensured these systems were integrated seamlessly into the construction process and overall performance of the home.
Beyond function, the home supports a lifestyle that’s intentional and grounded. The kitchen, for example, was carefully considered not just in layout and finish, but in how it supports the rituals of daily life. From custom joinery to the combined gas and induction cooktop, everything has a place and a purpose.
A builder-architect partnership
At Faulkner, we thrive on partnerships with architects who bring clarity, creativity and care to their work. Collaborating with MAUD on Shift House was exactly that. The shared respect between teams helped bring each element of the design to life - from heritage detailing to modern form.
This was not just a renovation. It was a home reimagined for the people who live in it - shaped by a thoughtful architect and built by a team that values quality, trust and long-term impact.
To explore more of MAUD’s work, visit maud.co.nz
