Our design solution was to literally straddle the old building with an almost entirely new shell of Strawbale, hence the name Russian Doll House. A house inside a house. Keeping the existing frame, the ceiling lining and much of the internal partitions, new strawbale external walls were placed out to the verandah line and a steeper pitched truss roof was supported over the existing post and beam structure. A couple of perpendicular gable roof forms created some additional floor area and also taller ceilings. The house is designed with Passive house principles in mind. It requires very little heating over Winter and stays naturally cool in Summer.

Triplex with double-storey town house and two single-storey villas.

Traditional Stone Cottage, renovated and extended to suit the family's requirements with a modern crittal style door and window

Looking from the top the site over the house towards the harbour.

Our design solution was to literally straddle the old building with an almost entirely new shell of Strawbale, hence the name Russian Doll House. A house inside a house. Keeping the existing frame, the ceiling lining and much of the internal partitions, new strawbale external walls were placed out to the verandah line and a steeper pitched truss roof was supported over the existing post and beam structure. A couple of perpendicular gable roof forms created some additional floor area and also taller ceilings. The house is designed with Passive house principles in mind. It requires very little heating over Winter and stays naturally cool in Summer.

This is a remodel of a 1970s built extension in a Conservation Area in Bath. Some small but significant changes have transformed this family home into a space to be desired. Constructed by Missiato Design and Build, flooring by Mandarin Stone Official and worktops by Granite Supreme.

Renovation of an old barn into a personal office space. This project, located on a 37-acre family farm in Pennsylvania, arose from the need for a personal workspace away from the hustle and bustle of the main house. An old barn used for gardening storage provided the ideal opportunity to convert it into a personal workspace. The small 1250 s.f. building consists of a main work and meeting area as well as the addition of a kitchen and a bathroom with sauna. The architects decided to preserve and restore the original stone construction and highlight it both inside and out in order to gain approval from the local authorities under a strict code for the reuse of historic structures. The poor state of preservation of the original timber structure presented the design team with the opportunity to reconstruct the roof using three large timber frames, produced by craftsmen from the Amish community. Following local craft techniques, the truss joints were achieved using wood dowels without adhesives and the stone walls were laid without the use of apparent mortar. The new roof, covered with cedar shingles, projects beyond the original footprint of the building to create two porches. One frames the main entrance and the other protects a generous outdoor living space on the south side. New wood trusses are left exposed and emphasized with indirect lighting design. The walls of the short facades were opened up to create large windows and bring the expansive views of the forest and neighboring creek into the space. The palette of interior finishes is simple and forceful, limited to the use of wood, stone and glass. The furniture design, including the suspended fireplace, integrates with the architecture and complements it through the judicious use of natural fibers and textiles. The result is a contemporary and timeless architectural work that will coexist harmoniously with the traditional buildings in its surroundings, protected in perpetuity for their historical heritage value.

Olivier Chabaud

Traditional Stone Cottage, renovated and extended to suit the family's requirements with a modern crittal style door and window

Image by: Katherine Malonda @malondaphotos

Check out this project we completed with a beautiful double brick construction with a suspended concrete slab to minimise movement, noise and vibration for our clients.

Nestled amidst the picturesque scenery overlooking the majestic Ruahine Ranges in the Manawatu region, "Brick and Stone" stands as a testament to craftsmanship and architectural finesse. This 480m² residential dwelling, a fusion of modern elegance and timeless charm, captivates with its striking black brick cladding and meticulously crafted schist stone features. From inception to completion, Mayhem Construction embarked on a journey of excellence, entrusted by another esteemed construction firm to bring this vision to life. Every detail meticulously planned, every stone meticulously placed, the result is a harmonious blend of sophistication and natural beauty. As the project unfolded, Mayhem Construction's expertise shone through, seamlessly integrating extensive decking and landscaping to enhance the property's allure. The result? A residence that not only complements its breathtaking surroundings but also stands as a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and unwavering dedication.

Extension and renovation of a derelict bungalow to create a modern eco-home.