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This home reno did more than knock down walls — it gave one man his independence back
Award-winning renovation transforms home and restores a tetraplegic homeowner's independence.
AI summary
An award-winning West Auckland renovation has restored independence for homeowner Andrew McMillan, who is tetraplegic. Architect Cécile Bonnifait transformed a standard house into a fully accessible home, a project that won two Auckland Architecture Awards.
The complex build, part-funded by ACC, included a specialized lift and pragmatic design for daily life and emergencies. The result is a home providing McMillan with newfound freedom, demonstrating the life-changing impact of thoughtful, accessible architecture.
The award-winning home in Auckland where Inda Yansané and Andrew McMillan live. Photo: Russell Kleyn
How the home used to look. Photo: Russell Kleyn
And today. Photo: Russell Kleyn
The kitchen was designed with floor space in mind. Photo: Russell Kleyn
The couple wanted the home to feel warm. Photo: Russell Kleyn
McMillan’s work space. Photo: Russell Kleyn
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Being able to communicate between the floors was a factor. Photo: Russell Kleyn
The balcony was a "happy accident". Photo: Russell Kleyn
The bright coloured lift. Photo: Russell Kleyn
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The couple have some friendly four-legged help. Photo: Russell Kleyn
The bedroom was moved into what was the garage. Photo: Russell Kleyn
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