Architect Tony Calder and his partner Julia Smith transformed a 1920s villa in Dunedin, New Zealand, into a stunning example of heritage preservation meeting modern design. The couple purchased the property seven years ago while living in Amsterdam, making the decision based solely on online photos that revealed the home's strong architectural bones. Calder, who works as a carpenter, designer, and architect, began the renovation in 2019 after they returned to New Zealand. The project successfully blends traditional villa aesthetics at the front with a sleek, contemporary extension at the rear, creating what Calder describes as a well-designed mix of rad and trad.
The renovation addressed the critical importance of maintaining heritage character while upgrading the home for contemporary living and future generations. Calder's professional background proved invaluable as he served as both designer and builder, a dual role that eliminated labor costs but consumed countless weekends and holidays. The most impactful investments included custom inbuilt joinery and new windows that completely transformed not just the visual appeal but the entire living experience. These changes opened the house to its surrounding landscape and captured solar warmth, reconnecting the interior with its environment. The spaces now feel brighter, calmer, and thermally comfortable throughout all seasons, demonstrating that good design prioritizes how a place feels to live in, not just its appearance.
Budget management presented both challenges and learning opportunities for the couple. Their initial budget of NZ$250,000 focused on essential improvements like joinery, insulation, and internal finishes designed to enhance performance without financial overextension. However, the final spend exceeded NZ$300,000 due to unexpected necessities including a complete roof replacement and full landscaping, neither of which appeared in the original plan. The roof became a non-negotiable investment once restoration began, as Calder recognized that patchwork solutions would compromise longevity. This decision brought coherence and security to the entire project, illustrating a common renovation truth that hidden layers often require care beyond initial priorities.
Several hard-won lessons emerged from the experience that Calder eagerly shares with prospective renovators. The couple made an expensive mistake by selecting brass tapware without verifying the finish quality, resulting in patchy, worn fixtures within months. They replaced them with durable alternatives, learning that proper investment upfront prevents costly corrections later. If budget had permitted, they would have installed solar panels from the beginning, an addition that aligns perfectly with their lifestyle and values. As energy prices climb and technology advances, Calder views self-sufficient power generation as one of the most impactful long-term investments available to homeowners.
Calder emphasizes that renovating represents an act of stewardship rather than mere construction. Extending the life of existing structures reduces waste, conserves embodied carbon, and leaves the planet slightly better than before. His favorite space, the lounge, embodies this philosophy perfectly. The room features a window seat where one can observe light moving across the valley and weather rolling in from the hills, creating a place to pause and reconnect with natural rhythms. For those considering similar projects, Calder advises expecting and embracing surprises, as every old house conceals mysteries behind walls and beneath floors. Budgeting for the unknown becomes essential when undertaking such stewardship, which stands as one of the most powerful sustainability contributions any homeowner can make.
