Idris House Renovation
A Christchurch bungalow reimagined for modern living
A full renovation that transformed a cold, draughty bungalow into a warm, functional home designed for modern living.
John and Sarah purchased Idris House because they loved the location — close to great schools, the gym, and an easy commute into the city.
The home had potential, but it wasn’t working for how they wanted to live. Their goal was to transform it into a warm, functional family home while still respecting its original character.
Like many older Christchurch homes, Idris House had good bones — but came with its share of challenges.
The layout wasn’t functional, with only two bedrooms and two bathrooms that didn’t flow well. The home was also cold and inefficient, with noticeable draughts and little to no insulation.
The biggest issue?
It simply wasn’t a healthy home by any standard.
On top of that, the conservatory felt disconnected from the rest of the house and didn’t make the most of the outdoor space.
This project required more than a surface-level renovation — it needed a complete rethink of how the home performed and functioned.
John, an architectural designer, had a clear vision for both the performance and aesthetic of the home. We worked closely together to bring that vision to life, balancing design intent with practical execution on site.
Together, we:
Completely reconfigured the layout to improve flow and functionality
Added a third bedroom by removing the separate laundry
Removed the conservatory to create seamless indoor–outdoor flow to a new deck
Installed double glazing throughout
Fully insulated all external walls
Sealed bottom plates to eliminate draughts
We didn’t just meet the standard — we intentionally went beyond it to create a home that feels warm, dry, and comfortable year-round.
Working with an older home always comes with unknowns.
Upgrading Idris House to modern standards while working within the existing structure required careful planning and problem-solving. It was about improving performance without losing the character that made the home special in the first place.
The transformation of Idris House has completely changed how the home feels and functions.
What was once a cold, disconnected layout is now a warm, cohesive space designed for modern living.
A functional three-bedroom layout
Open, connected living spaces
Seamless indoor–outdoor flow
A warm, dry, energy-efficient home
A finish that still respects the home’s original character
John and Sarah now have a home that truly works for them.
They love everything — but most importantly, the space is now far more usable.
It’s a home that feels comfortable year-round, connects effortlessly to the outdoors, and supports their day-to-day lifestyle — all while being in a location they already loved.
You can see the whole journey at https://www.instagram.com/idris__house/
Thinking about renovating your home?
If your home isn’t working the way it should, a thoughtful renovation can completely transform how you live in it.
At Zen Builders, we focus on creating practical, well-considered solutions that balance function, comfort, and design.
👉 Start with a no-obligation chat and let’s talk about what’s possible.
You can contact us through our website or email us on enquire@zenbuilders.co.nz