Once a dated 1970s home, this Hawke’s Bay renovation and extension by Drinkrow Homes transformed an ugly duckling into a warm, modern family home. The design added two new bedrooms and reimagined the existing layout with open-plan living, solid timber flooring, and built-in joinery for smart storage. The striking custom kitchen, complete with concrete benchtops, anchors the heart of the home, while the cedar-clad extension contrasts beautifully with the original stucco exterior — a hallmark of architectural design and build craftsmanship in Hawke’s Bay.
This Hawke’s Bay renovation and extension came with a unique set of challenges. The clients were living overseas when construction began, requiring careful coordination and clear communication throughout the process. Midway through, the project was impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns, adding time pressures and limiting site access. In addition, ongoing material shortages made it difficult to source key products such as insulation, cedar cladding, and solid timber flooring.
To overcome these challenges, Drinkrow Homes maintained frequent communication with the overseas owners through detailed updates and regular video calls, ensuring every decision was made with confidence. Our team anticipated supply delays early, ordering critical materials such as insulation, cedar cladding, and timber flooring well in advance. By remaining highly organised, carefully scheduling trades, and leveraging our established supplier network, we kept the Hawke’s Bay renovation and build on track.
The result is a beautifully transformed architectural home in Hawke’s Bay, blending the charm of the original structure with a refined, modern extension. Light-filled, warm, and highly functional, the renovated home now provides generous family living spaces and thoughtful design details throughout. From the striking cedar-clad exterior to the custom joinery and concrete benchtops inside, every element reflects Drinkrow Homes’ commitment to quality, communication, and craftsmanship. The owners were thrilled to return to a home that feels entirely new with every detail carefully considered.
