The new building’s wedge-like profile from above. PHOTOS: STEPHEN JAQUIERY : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The portal frame in the dining area and the mid-beam in the living area had to be craned onto the site. The owners bought the lights at an auction 25 years ago. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The two bedrooms and bathroom are at the back of the apartment, a few steps above the living area. The artwork above the bed is by Jenny Sutherland. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

A vibrant abstract painting by Emily Crossen hangs on one of the living room walls. Mr Terpstra built the slatted dividing screen from the shop’s original rafters to distinguish between the home’s public and private spaces. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The interior features clean lines and neutral colours. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The dining area is in the point of the triangle. Because the building is well-insulated and captures plenty of sun, it takes very little to heat. Opening both sets of bifold windows provides ventilation on hot days. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

Cut-down bricks are used as floor tiles in the entry. The stairs were made from Southland maple beech as well as rimu recovered from the building. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The terracotta bricks on the back of the apartment provide sound insulation and reference the clinker brick facade of the original structure. The terrace can be accessed via the living area and the main bedroom. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

Blue Mountain pottery sits beneath a print by Simone Scrivener. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

The footprint on which the build began. : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner

Before the roof and parapet were removed to make way for a second storey, the former corner store was a two-bedroom flat. PHOTO: SUPPLIED : Looking sharp: That cool house on the corner