In the heart of Auckland stands a century-old villa, steeped in family history, which has recently undergone a meticulous restoration by the team at Faulkner Construction.
The owner, Verna Smith, is deeply connected to the home’s past.
“This house has been in my family for one hundred years. It has Heritage house designation and was built under the Workers Dwellings Act 1910 to provide good quality accommodation for working people. My grandmother and grandfather bought the villa in 1924.”
Working alongside architect Tony Irving of Pure Architecture, Verna and the Faulkner team have preserved the villa’s Victorian features while creating a home ready for modern living.
“What was amazing to me was how Faulkner and my wonderful architect Tony Irving were able to design a renovation which left the front of the house with the bedrooms and bathroom, the floors, and the gorgeous panelled ceilings so perfectly preserved in their Victorian glory.”
Blending the old with the new, the renovation seamlessly integrates a sleek kitchen and open-plan living area, flowing out to a deck that embraces Auckland’s lush surroundings.
Craftsmanship was front and centre. Faulkner Site Manager Ben McKee shares:
“Two main features stand out to me in this renovation. One being the battens under the pergola over the rear deck, which enhanced the space and concealed the typically unesthetic underside of a clearlite pergola. The other was the installation of a new chimney to meet the historic places requirements and making it one of the rare state houses to preserve both chimneys.”
As with many Faulkner projects, this was as much about building relationships as it was about building the home. Verna took the team out for a celebration early in the project, creating a healthy bond beyond the construction site.
“A few beers and food go a long way in motivating the boys on site to go the extra mile,” confirms Ben.
“I was out of New Zealand for much of the build period, and indeed in the Arctic with little internet coverage for some of the time, but there was never a problem communicating with the team on site and at headquarters.”
Ben’s commitment to responsiveness and communication meant that even with time zones and limited internet, the build stayed on track.
“One day I will go back there to live. In the meantime, it provides a great home for people attracted by both the romance of the past and the opportunities of the future.”
This project is a standout example of Faulkner’s ability to deliver high-quality heritage villa renovations in partnership with architects - upholding character while delivering modern comfort and craftsmanship.
