100 Year Old Villa Reclad Project

Check out this incredible re-clad renovation of a 100 Year Old Villa! We took on the challenge of finding creative solutions to a shortage of required materials. With our extensive experience, innovative thinking, and commitment to quality, we were able to exceed our client's expectations and deliver outstanding results!
Before reclad: Exterior of 100-year-old villa showing weathered wooden cladding and window frame needing repair. Recladding project.

Auckland Villa Reclad: Balancing Traditional Character with Modern Performance

Restoring a 100-year-old Auckland villa is more than a construction project; it is an act of preservation. At Retro Construction, we specialise in this delicate “Traditional Experience / Modern Style” balance, ensuring that your home’s historic soul remains intact while its structural performance meets 21st-century standards.

Have you got a heritage building? Check here.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at our latest extensive home restoration project and why the “unseen” details are the most critical.vation #TraditionalCharacter #AucklandBuilders #KitchenRestoration #BuildingCompliance

Stripping Back to the Bones: The Kitchen Transformation

The heart of this restoration is the kitchen. We have completely stripped the space to its studs, preparing it for a modern layout and high-end appliances. However, a true restoration goes deeper than the surface. Behind the new GIB plasterboard, we have reinforced the timber framing to ensure structural integrity and installed high-spec insulation for modern thermal comfort.

While we modernise the infrastructure, we never sacrifice the heritage. Throughout the demolition and framing phases, all original floors have been meticulously protected to ensure the vintage finishes remain pristine for the final reveal.

The Technical Edge: Why “Preliminaries” Matter

In the Auckland market, successful villa restorations require more than just hammers and nails; they require rigorous project management. We treat every site like a “temporary outdoor factory”. For a project of this scale, we manage the Preliminaries and General (P&G) costs—typically 11–15% of the contract—which cover essential site safety, scaffolding, and regulatory compliance under the Building Act 2004.

By aligning our quoting with NZIQS (New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors) protocols, we provide a “Cost Transparency Guarantee”. This means you receive a professional, detailed quotation prepared by an experienced estimator, ensuring no “budget blowouts” as the project progresses.

Preserving the Traditional Character

One of the greatest challenges in Auckland restorations is finding materials that match the original craftsmanship. For example, in a previous 100-year-old villa project, we were unable to find a supplier for matching weatherboards. Instead of compromising, our team used a router to custom-mill 6-metre lengths to achieve the exact historic profile required. This commitment to “thinking outside the box” allows us to future-proof your design without losing its traditional character.

Visualising the Future with 3D Technology

Are you struggling to see how a modern kitchen fits into a traditional villa? We solve this with our Immediate 3D Visualization technology. We can render 3D photos of your existing space on-site, allowing you to see the “conceptual finish” of your new design before we even order materials.

Thinking About Your Own Renovation?

Whether you are planning an extension, a kitchen upgrade, or a full character restoration, we are here to bring your ideas to life with the precision of 30 years of industry experience.

  • Step 1: Get your builder in early to save on architectural and engineering headaches.
  • Step 2: Ensure you arrange Contract Works Insurance as an extension of your home policy to protect your asset and avoid builder markups.
  • Step 3: Contact us for an onsite consultation to discuss your vision.

Retro Construction Ltd Traditional Experience / Modern Style Email: info@retroconstruction.co.nz Web: www.retroconstruction.co.nz

Stay tuned for our final reveal! Subscribe and watch as we bring this Auckland icon back to its former glory.

#AucklandVilla #HomeRestoration #RetroConstruction #VillaReno

Author:

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Angie

Angie has been in construction for 25 years, with a 5-year break where she worked as a Property Manager, gaining valuable insight into property maintenance. She excels as the Office Manager for Retro Construction and currently serves as their Project Coordinator and Office Manager. Her highest qualification is in the legal field, in which she worked for the first 7 years of her career. Since schooldays, being in a technical school, she knew her forte would be construction. She also has 4 years of business qualifications to support her role.

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