The exterior of the rear addition to the house is in complete contrast to the home’s traditional facade – clad in vertical cedar, the walls are broken up by tall windows fitted with louvres for ventilation.

Respecting the home’s historical charm while bringing it into the 21st century was one of the aims of the renovation.

The brief for Atelierworkshop was to retain the home’s existing footprint while maximising its outdoor areas. In response, the architects opted to excavate the basement and create a downstairs floor that was accessible from the street.

What was once a closed-in basement now houses two bedrooms and a lounge, all opening onto a terrace. Louvres ensure this level is ventilated and concrete floors retain the warmth of the sun.

The downstairs lounge has no ceiling and the result is a light-filled, double-height atrium which links the lower living area with its upstairs equivalent.

Bare lightbulbs are a great match with a colourful wall as they offer a hard, industrial contrast to the warmth and fun of red.

Using the guidance of Wellington architects Atelierworkshop, the couple brought the villa back to life – with a modern twist.

Catherine and Duncan made the bold choice to use red in their upstairs living area. Plywood cupboards bring the kitchen to life and mirror the dining room storage.

The now upper level features the home’s entrance and a central hallway that services the main bedroom, bathroom and a guest bedroom/office.

In the main bathroom upstairs, small, white tiles were used on both the walls and floors to avoid the space feeling too busy.

From the street, the Baird family home in Island Bay, Wellington, is a graceful villa typical of many colonial homes in the capital. But step inside and you’ll find a modern abode complete with concrete floors, a light-filled atrium and a sound-absorbing ceiling.