SCHOOL ZONES:
Mt Eden Normal School, Kowhai Intermediate, Auckland Grammar, Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland Girls Grammar.
CONTACT:
Colleen Strachan, 631 5634 or 021 283 6194, Roberta Tarr, 631 0022 or 022 100 3113, Unlimited Potential.
AUCTION:
October 5 (unless sold prior).
These days, well-known Kiwi department store Farmers has its distribution centre in East Tamaki, but 70 years ago, its furniture warehouse was in Akiraho St, Mt Eden. That's what architect Kate Beilby understands of the character building that now houses the apartment she bought with her friend, Mikhal Norriss.
They bought their two-bedroom apartment in February 2014. Facing north and on the top floor of the three-level building, it had plenty of character features, including steel-framed windows, timber floors and exposed brick walls.
But there were drawbacks -- there was one good-sized bedroom, but the second one was tiny.
The kitchen was housed in an awkward space under the stairs, with a benchtop that was only 1.5 metres long. There was also no storage.
Luckily, as an architect Kate was able to visualise -- and then realise -- this apartment's potential, which was featured in Your Home & Garden magazine.
The renovation saw a new set of dark-stained ply stairs with tension-wire balustrading installed in a position that allowed a new, larger second bedroom to be built upstairs. The bedroom, which became Kate's, has a section of louvres that "borrows" light from the adjacent stairwell's skylight.
There are also bifolds, with storage underneath, that look out over the open-plan living area below and out the original steel windows.
The renovation also added a double wardrobe to Mikhal's bedroom. This room, which faces east, has views out across the neighbourhood to Mt Eden.
Image 1 of 5: This former warehouse has undergone big changes.
Downstairs, a new kitchen is much more practical to work in than the previous crowded incarnation. Kate has opted for a 6m-long expanse of white cabinetry, with a satin-finish stainless steel bench and splashback to emphasise the building's industrial roots.
"I like cooking here," says Kate. There is a ceramic cooktop, Smeg oven and a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer.
A dining table from Kate's previous home in Piha has been "upcycled". She's split the table top lengthways in sections. One portion is now a table leaner attached to the wall, where Kate and Mikhal can sit on barstools and eat breakfast. Another piece is used as a shelf for the TV. The third section is used as a step between an area for a desk in Kate's room and the bedroom proper.
New storage has been included in the apartment wherever possible. Space under the stairs features discreet white cabinetry that contains the laundry and general storage. Kate added new mirrored cabinets to the bathroom, which is painted a pale Karen Walker blue.
Two sets of open shelving -- one built into the base of the stairs and the other on the opposite wall -- display crockery and glasses.
Kate mentions how the apartment is centrally located and close to transport links. It's handy to bus routes and the Mt Eden train station.
"The underground link to the city will be right there." It only takes Kate a few minutes to walk to her office off K Road, where she specialises in small commercial buildings and residential projects. One she's currently working on is a summer cabin in Sweden.
This has been a great stepping stone for the two friends, but Kate and Mikhal are selling now to each have their own homes.
