The Herne Bay Townhouse

A sophisticated transformation to a ’90s townhouse by Oli Booth Architecture creates an exquisite space for entertaining.

A Quintessential Loft

The original brief, provided by the California-based clients was to create a New York-style loft, utilise the existing steelwork and create a space great for entertaining. In response, Oli Booth Architecture designed the requisite volume of a quintessential loft by opening a double-height void and linking the central living area and the master bedroom. Vertical steelwork establishes a prominent industrial theme throughout the Herne Bay Townhouse.

Project Type: Residential

Location: Herne Bay, New Zealand

Architect: Oli Booth Architecture

Interior Design: Oli Booth Architecture and James Peters

Photographer: Simon Wilson

Concealed Functionality

Concealing the kitchen within the open-plan living-kitchen space was key to creating a sense of lightness and openness. A bank of timber cabinetry conceals many of the kitchen’s essential appliances, with the Minimal Style black touchscreen oven and glass induction cooktop on display. Meanwhile, a DCS Grill, by Fisher & Paykel was integral to transforming the previously unused courtyard into an extension of the kitchen. A retractable glass splashback behind the cooktop connects through to the courtyard on the other side, making a dual cooking zone and a relaxing, shaded space to retreat during the summer months.

Three portrait images of an integrated refrigerator, wine cabinet and a black oven.

Vertical Accentuation

"The full-height Column Refrigerator and Freezer provided an opportunity to accentuate the vertical lines in the space, which is central to the aesthetic”. The Wine Column and DishDrawer™ are similarly hidden within the joinery. A cantilevered staircase, with a lightly detailed screen picks up on the existing steel structure of the space to enhance the vertical theme present in this cultured transformation.