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Secret villa addition wows: ‘It wasn’t a flip; I built it for me’
Expect the unexpected - you cannot tell from looking at this 1910s villa that all is not as it seems.
AI summary
This 1910s Grey Lynn villa conceals a stunning, award-winning modern extension by architectural designer José Gutierrez. Known as The Light Catcher, the project added a concrete and cedar-clad structure housing a high-spec kitchen and living areas.
These spaces flow seamlessly to a west-facing courtyard and reflection pool. The renovation, which won an NZIA Auckland award, also upgraded the original villa. Marketed by Whitefox, this unique property is available for private viewing only.
Architectural designer José Gutierrez designed this multi award-winning sculptural extension to the house, which provides a calm, light-filled living space. The house is now 148m².
Rooms in the extension open to a courtyard on the west side, with a reflection pool and leafy landscaping bringing a real sense of tranquility to the urban property.
It’s a very minimalistic look - and no, the house is not staged. This is how the collaboration with the designer evolved, right down to the furniture selection.
There’s a central axis right through the house from the front door to the pool. Everything is aligned.
A large picture window on the east side brings in morning light.
Battens across the clerestory windows create changing light patterns within - Gutierrez calls the house the Light Catcher.
The concrete pod accommodates a second living area or media room. The concrete has a Peter Fell black oxide finish.
There is good separation between the two living spaces, yet a visual link remains with the window looking out to the courtyard.
The front door needed to be replaced. The leadlights and stained glass are in keeping with the original.
French doors open to the front veranda.
There’s just a peep of the rear addition in this view.
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