For W2 Architecture x Structural Engineering and Matt Harrison Construction, this earthquake-damaged home became an opportunity to create something extraordinary in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

WORDS Kathy Young PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Armstrong Photography

The homeowners of this expansive 1990s property are no strangers to renovating. Isabelle Weston, daughter of famed mechanical engineer John Britten, and her husband Tim Weston completed an extensive renovation of her grand childhood home Britten Stables back in 2018. They have an eye for potential.

“While some viewed this old luxury home as a daunting challenge with its earthquake damage, colourful walls and vivid blue carpet, we envisioned it as a unique chance to blend its nostalgic essence with contemporary style, creating a haven right at the heart of the city,” says Isabelle.

The dream here was to create a family-friendly oasis of calm. “This property is more than just a house,” says Isabelle. “It was always about creating a feeling for our family. The previous owners had loved the home and made many memories here. Our renovations aimed to start our chapter at Millstream and build on those past memories.”

When they initially saw the property on the market, the couple sought professional advice from W2 Architecture x Structural Engineering. Structural engineer Stuart Winterbourn, director at W2, was happy to take a look.

“Izzy and Tim were looking to buy this 895sqm property, which had some earthquake damage,” explains Stuart. “And we ultimately became responsible for designing the transformed space. What started as
a simple assessment – could the damage be fixed? – evolved into a complete reimagining of how the home could live and breathe.”

Most of the home was in good order. “The original house was grand, but it was made up of rooms that weren’t particularly well connected for family living and entertaining,” Stuart says. “The homeowners saw an opportunity that others had perhaps overlooked.”

All kitchen joinery was installed by Finesse Joinery, creating a modern Mediterranean-style kitchen that’s perfect for cosy family mealtimes as well as lavish dinner parties.
The benchtop by Granite Benchtop Company is a Blue Dunes granite, a natural stone showcasing a harmonious blend of blue, beige and grey tones, each slab uniquely adorned with intricate veining and patterns for a modern elegance.

The design brief for the architecture and engineering firm focused on preserving the original charm of the 1990s-era home while infusing it with resort-style elegance and comfort. Says Isabelle: “It was important that every inch of the 895sqm reflected both warmth and functionality, featuring highlights like an outdoor terrace, a pool house and intricate interior detailing.”

The most significantly damaged section was a connecting room between the kitchen and swimming pool, which served as a link in the home’s flow. Rather than attempting costly repairs to this section, the team at W2 proposed something radical: complete removal.

“The structural theory was, rather than trying to fix this damage, why don’t we just get rid of it?” Stuart says. This bold decision would prove transformative, creating what became the key feature of the renovation: a stunning atrium space that now serves as the heart of the home.

The removal of the damaged wing achieved multiple design objectives. It flooded the kitchen with natural light and created an interactive outdoor living space that seamlessly connects to the kitchen hub. The result is a dramatic internal courtyard where the damaged room once stood, complete with architectural arches, built-in seating, and lush plantings. Through this reimagining, the renovation created both formal and informal living spaces, crucial for busy family life.

Curved features throughout the home provide a uniqueness and a charm – for example, the curved tiled spa and seating area beneath the arches, which draws its inspiration from W2 architectural director Matt Wilkie’s visit to a natural spring in Mexico. The result is very much a charismatic and nostalgic retreat, with an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor.

Matt Harrison of Matt Harrison Construction was entrusted with the transformation.

“We were engaged to bring the vision to life,” says Matt. “All while maintaining its original magic.”

The luxurious bedheads through the home are by Wink Design, specialists in creating custom made bedheads, cushions, lampshades and more, with sustainability in mind.

An extraordinary level of craftsmanship defined every stage of the construction process – from the precision-carved timber arch windows, designed to mirror those of the existing pool house, to the breathtaking realisation of architectural renderings. “Countless hours were poured into transforming the vision into a tangible masterpiece,” says Matt. “A perfect example of this dedication is the custom curved spa bath, seamlessly integrated with a stunning glazed roofing system that evokes the feel of a refined glasshouse.”

These aren’t features found in just any home. Every painstaking decision, every intricate detail, was a pursuit of perfection – and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

A magnificent snooker table that once belonged to John Britten himself now anchors the games room, where Isabelle and Tim added a stylish bar to create another entertaining space. This blend of heritage and contemporary living reflects the overall project philosophy.

Other highlights include the outdoor terrace complete with a fireplace, a pool house, spa bath
and sauna. Inside, carefully curated details such as the mosaic tiling give a nod to the heritage, while introducing elegance and texture. A soft neutral palette, abundant natural light and lush interior gardens create an atmosphere of calm and cohesion.

Isabelle worked closely with W2 on the interior design to achieve her vision, while Tim managed the project and helped with labouring. “This personal investment has given us a deeper connection and appreciation in transforming this home into a sanctuary,” says Isabelle. “Styling and interiors has always sparked an interest for me. I enjoy mixing together textures, colours and shapes to make things both aesthetically pleasing and functional.”

“Some of our favourite features include the seamless interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces, especially the outdoor terrace with its fireplace and the luxurious spa elements,” she says. “Inside, we love the kitchen, as it’s an incredible space for our family to come together. The warm timber finishes coupled with leathered stone benchtop and brass accents add a touch of heritage, while providing a warmth to the space.”

The finished home works on multiple levels – as an impressive entertaining space and an opening up of a collection of disconnected rooms, all while remaining intimate enough for quiet family moments.

The year-long journey from initial assessment to completion demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and architectural inspiration can transform disaster into design triumph.

“Working with W2 Architects and Structural Engineering, along with Matt Harrison Construction, was a collaborative journey,” says Isabelle. “Their expertise and commitment brought our vision to life, transforming our home into a balance of classic charm and modern luxury. Their dedication to the intricate details made all the difference to our renovation experience at Millstream.”