Devonport Fire Rebuild

Location
Devonport, Auckland
Project Type
Family Home
Completed in
2025
Designer/Architect
Architect: Macfie Architecture

Following a devastating fire that gutted the rear section of this character home in Devonport, the owners were faced with a daunting rebuild. We stepped in to not only restore the structural integrity of the property but to completely reimagine its potential.

The Transformation

While the front of the home remains a tribute to its original 1920s craftsmanship, the rear has been transformed into a contemporary sanctuary. The project involved stripping back fire-damaged timber and navigating the complexities of a heritage restoration to create a seamless transition into a new, light-filled extension.

Key Features:

  • Architectural Volume: A stunning 5m vaulted ceiling that creates an immediate sense of space and grandeur.
  • Modern Performance: The installation of sleek, black double-glazed joinery provides superior thermal efficiency and a bold aesthetic contrast to the traditional weatherboards.
  • Social Hub: A sprawling open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area designed specifically as the "heart of the home" for the family to congregate.
  • Heritage Integration: Precise junctions ensure the new extension feels like a natural evolution of the original home rather than an afterthought.

This project is a testament to the fact that even after a significant loss, a home can be rebuilt to be stronger, brighter, and better suited for modern family life.

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