Talavera Terrace

RENOVATIONS / ALTERATIONS & EXTENSIONS
Written By First Light Studio

Airy and light with functional outdoor spaces to maximise the stunning views over Wellington harbour, this recomposed family home marries charming villa character with modern living and offers welcoming spaces to connect socially, inside and out. 

A restored exterior envelope beautifully frames a contemporary, open-plan living space with a mezzanine lounge for the clients’ teenaged children to congregate privately while remaining connected to the gathering space below.  Large skylights over the central kitchen cleverly capture the light on an otherwise narrow site, and keep the space connected with the outdoors.

 

  • Built: 2020
    Images: First Light | David Hensel Photography

    The layered history of this house dates back to 1900, with charming elements of the original villa still visible, along with decades of ad hoc alterations and dated extensions. Its challenging and narrow site between Clermont Terrace and Talavera Terrace is bounded by neighbours on two sides, while also being exposed to Wellington’s high winds. The traditional shapes of the villa transition through the rectilinear form of the asado roof to the free-formed paths and planter-beds of the landscape. Existing garaging at the roadside forms an established entry gateway to the property. This highly collaborative redesign project included working with the clients, consultants, friends and builders over a number of years.

 
Restored villa exterior on Talavera Terrace in Wellington, combining original 1900s character with contemporary architectural renovation by First Light Studio, showcasing sustainable residential design.
Outdoor living and landscape integration at Talavera Terrace renovation in Wellington, connecting interior spaces to garden terraces and harbour views.
Heritage and contemporary architecture interwoven within a refined residential renovation
Modernised villa living room at Talavera Terrace in Wellington, blending heritage detailing with contemporary open living spaces and sustainable renovation design.
Internal stair and circulation space in Talavera Terrace villa renovation, showcasing timber detailing and refined architectural transitions between old and new structure.
Light-filled open-plan kitchen and living space in Talavera Terrace renovation, featuring skylights, timber detailing, and modern villa interior design by First Light Studio in Wellington.
Mezzanine lounge in Wellington villa renovation at Talavera Terrace, creating a private family retreat while maintaining connection to open-plan living spaces below.
 

Project Details

Year Built: 2020
Location: Kelburn, Wellington
Architect: First Light Studio
Interiors: First Light Studio
Builder: Mike Patete
Photography: David Hensel Photography

 
 

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