Creating More Space Without Leaving the Home She Loved
A 1920's bungalow renovation in Lower Hutt
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Sometimes the right move isn't moving at all.
For the owner of this charming 1920's bungalow in Lower Hutt, the home held years of memories and plenty of character. While it no longer suited the way she wanted to live, she couldn't imagine leaving the neighbourhood she loved.
Instead, she chose to invest in transforming the home she already had.
Working closely with Orkney Group, she embarked on a comprehensive renovation that would improve the way the home functioned while preserving the character that first made her fall in love with it.
The result is a beautifully modernised bungalow that offers the comfort and practicality of contemporary living without losing its original charm.
Project Snapshot
Location: Lower Hutt
Project Type: Full Home Renovation
Services: Renovations, Interior Reconfiguration, Project Management, Painting & Decorating
Home Style: 1920s Bungalow
The Brief
Like many older homes, this bungalow had great bones but no longer met the needs of modern living.
The owner wanted to improve the home's layout, create more functional living spaces and update several key areas throughout the house. Her vision included more benchspace in the kitchen, shifting the main bathroom, adding a new bedroom, a private ensuite and walk-in wardrobe off the master bedroom, and a layout that felt more open and connected.
At the same time, it was important that the renovation respected the home's original character. She wanted the finished result to feel as though it had always belonged.
The Challenges
Renovating a home built over 100 years ago requires careful planning and an understanding of how older homes were originally constructed.
Some of the key challenges included:
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Reconfiguring the internal layout while retaining the character of the bungalow.
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Raising the lounge floor to improve the flow between living spaces.
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Removing the existing fireplace to create a more open and functional layout in one of the bedrooms.
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Creating a new master ensuite within the existing footprint.
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Converting the former front bedroom into an ensuite.
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Relocating the main bathroom to a different part of the house.
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Ensuring each renovated space blended seamlessly with the rest of the home.
With multiple rooms being renovated at the same time, careful sequencing and coordination between trades was essential to keep the project running smoothly.
Our Solution
Rather than simply renovating individual rooms, we approached the project as a complete transformation of how the home functioned.
One of the most significant aspects of this renovation was the complete reconfiguration of the home's internal layout. Raising the lounge floor improved the connection between the living spaces, while converting the original dining room into an additional bedroom and relocating the main bathroom created a more practical floor plan for modern living. At the front of the house, an existing bedroom was transformed into a spacious walk-in wardrobe and private ensuite, turning the master bedroom into a comfortable retreat and making better use of the home's existing footprint.
Throughout the renovation, our team managed every stage of the project, coordinating the various trades while maintaining close communication with the homeowner to ensure every detail aligned with her vision.
Scope of Work
Renovation Works
✔ Main bathroom relocation
✔ Converting dining room into another bedroom
✔ Lounge floor raised
✔ Fireplace removed
✔ Front lounge converted into a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite
✔ Adding a kitchen island
Project Delivery
✔ Construction
✔ Project management
✔ Trade coordination
✔ Interior finishing
Behind the Build
One of the standout features of this renovation wasn't simply the new rooms. It was the way the home now works as a whole.
Thoughtful structural changes transformed the flow between spaces, allowing the existing footprint to function far more efficiently without compromising the character of the original bungalow.
Projects like this are a reminder that successful renovations aren't just about installing new kitchens or bathrooms. They're about understanding how people want to live and creating spaces that support that lifestyle for years to come.
The Result
This Lower Hutt bungalow has been thoughtfully transformed into a home that is more functional and better suited to modern living.
The finished renovation has given this Lower Hutt bungalow a new lease on life.
By reworking the internal layout, raising the lounge floor and making better use of the existing footprint, the home now feels more practical, connected, and suited to modern living. The additional bedroom, relocated bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and private ensuite have created a far more functional home without losing the character that made it special.
Most importantly, the homeowner was able to remain in the community she loves while creating a home that reflects both her lifestyle and her future plans.
Rather than leaving behind a house full of memories, she now has a beautifully renovated home ready for the next chapter of her life.
What the Homeowner Had to Say
"In 2019 I undertook significant renovations to my home in central Lower Hutt. Every room in the house was affected, so it was important to choose a builder I could trust.
From the very beginning, Kevin and Andrew took the time to meet with me and my designer to ensure we all shared the same vision, both for the finished home and the process to get there. Their knowledge and experience gave me confidence, and throughout the project they were always available to answer questions, explain my options and help me make informed decisions.
They understood the stresses that come with renovating, remained patient and approachable throughout, and maintained high expectations of both their team and subcontractors. Their commitment to health and safety was also evident at every stage.
I am delighted with the finished result and would confidently recommend Orkney Construction to anyone planning a renovation."
- Homeowner, Lower Hutt
Thinking About Renovating Your Home?
If your home no longer works the way you'd like, moving isn't your only option.
A well-planned renovation can improve the way you live while allowing you to stay in the neighbourhood you already love.
Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation, a bathroom upgrade, an extension, or a complete home transformation, the experienced team at Orkney Group can help bring your vision to life.
Get in touch with us to discuss your renovation project.
