A Timaru home in need of a transformation to meet a changing lifestyle has been thoroughly revitalised by Chilton + Mayne Architecture and Nolan Building.

WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Lightforge Photography

There’s something quite special about taking an established property and giving it a modern twist while at the same time respecting its roots. For Dan and Kaylene, this was more than just a renovation – it was a chance to craft their dream home from the ground up, and, as owners of Nolan Building, to showcase their construction expertise along the way.

The journey began about five years ago when the couple purchased a 1990s bungalow nestled among mature trees and rolling hills. “We always had plans of renovating it,” Kaylene says, reflecting on their initial decision. “But it wasn’t something we wanted to rush into. We looked at other options, like buying elsewhere and building new, but we loved the location here. It’s hard to find a spot like this.”

The appeal of the property is obvious: it’s just two minutes from Timaru, providing a perfect blend of rural tranquillity and central convenience. Yet the family knew the home needed an update to match their modern lifestyle. “With the kids getting older, we needed more space and a modernised layout,” Kaylene says. The original house, built 30 years ago, was beginning to feel cramped and outdated. The family envisioned a spacious, functional and stylish home that would serve them for years to come.

The decision to kick off such a significant renovation led them to Garry Mayne, architectural designer at Chilton + Mayne Architecture, a local firm known for its innovative designs and impeccable execution. “We’d heard great things about Chilton and Mayne from people we knew,” Kaylene says. “We wanted something more architectural this time around, as our previous homes had been quite traditional.”

With a clear vision in mind, the homeowners briefed Garry on their requirements: an open indoor-outdoor flow, a separate master bedroom suite and a larger living area. “One of our biggest reasons for renovating was that the living area was very tiny,” says Kaylene. “We wanted a large living space and a separate media room to expand the family spaces.”

The original bungalow’s layout has been transformed into a contemporary farmhouse-style home, balancing rustic charm with modern conveniences. Garry wanted to be sure that the new home would serve as both a family haven and a showcase for the homeowners’ construction company.

“Our aim was to create a home that maintained the essence of its rural setting while embracing modern design elements,” he says.

The renovation involved a complete reimagining of the floor plan. The existing bedroom wing and garage were retained, but other areas were repositioned to optimise natural light and capture expansive views. This pavilion-style architectural language allowed the home to seamlessly integrate new construction with existing structures. “The new design incorporates a contemporary interpretation of a traditional farmhouse,” says Garry.

The transformation is dramatic. The home now boasts an impressive 353sqm of space, a significant increase from the original 220sqm. The design features sustainable vertical cedar weatherboards and plaster, complementing schist cladding used on key architectural elements. This combination creates a visually striking exterior that stands out while blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

Inside, the house reflects the same balance of modern and traditional elements. Oak flooring, stainable timbers and schist stonework create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior design, curated by Stacey Anderson Design Studio, brings together a cohesive aesthetic that ties the whole home together.

“I’ve known Dan and Kay for many years, so I have a good understanding of what they like and what they were after with this family-friendly home,” says Stacey. “They were keen for a homely, understated interior that exuded warmth and timelessness.”

Stacey’s remit included all the hard furnishings of the interior design, including the kitchen design, bathrooms, laundry, pantry and walk-in wardrobes.

“It was quite an intuitive process in the end,” she says. “I used my expertise with shape, pattern and texture to add numerous refined details, such as the recessed lightbox above the kitchen island to create more light and the vertical detailing in the bathrooms and pantry.”

The process, which was initially intended to span two years, ended up taking only one. During the renovation, the family moved out and rented elsewhere, but eventually they set up a caravan on-site to manage the final stages of the build. “Living in the caravan was definitely an experience,” smiles Kaylene. “But it allowed us to stay close and keep up with the work.”

The renovation wasn’t without its challenges, says Kaylene. “Integrating the existing structure with the new build was quite a task. “Even though we had plans, there was a lot of problem-solving on-site.”

The result is a home that not only meets the family’s needs but also serves as a testament to their vision
and expertise. “Our favourite parts are the space, the usability and the warmth,” she says. “I love the large living area with the fireplace. And the thermally broken windows and timber floors add to the cosiness.”

Sustainability was undoubtedly a key consideration throughout the project. The renovation focused on extending the life of the existing structure by carefully removing unusable elements and incorporating high-performance materials. Says Garry: “As well as using thermally broken double-glazed windows and doors, we incorporated passive solar design principles to maximise natural heating and cooling.”

As the family settle into their newly transformed home, it is clear that their vision has been realised. The blend of modern functionality and traditional charm has created a space that feels both timeless and contemporary. “It’s everything we hoped for,” Kaylene says. “A forever home that we can cherish for years to come.”