Before the renovation, the laundry/storage area was under the existing roof but not connected to the house. : Life-changing renovation

The back kitchen area was in such bad condition it had to be demolished. : Life-changing renovation

The new back wall is clad in corrugated iron (painted Resene Grey Friar). : Life-changing renovation

The dining extension opens to the patio. The wall of family photos is painted in Resene Apple Blossom. The sideboard, a family heirloom, was painted by Mr Oliveira. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH/CARLOS FALCAO/SUR ARCHITECTURE : Life-changing renovation

With the barn door in the hall open, it is possible to see from one end of the house to the other. : Life-changing renovation

Wardrobes were a must in the bedrooms. : Life-changing renovation

The house was extended towards the west to connect to the patio. The angled external wall makes the dining room feel bigger and allows the afternoon sun to penetrate deeper inside. : Life-changing renovation

The roughcast bungalow was built in the 1930s. : Life-changing renovation

The bathroom vanity, made of treated ply, was designed by architect Maria Callau. : Life-changing renovation

The owners dubbed their previous kitchen the ‘‘naughty corner’’ because whoever was cooking in it was cut off from the rest of the living area. Happily, that is no longer the case. : Life-changing renovation

The owners added a new fireplace after finding there was a crack in their old one and that repairs would cost as much as a replacement. : Life-changing renovation

A large picture window frames the surrounding farmland and offers a glimpse of Tomahawk Lagoon. A window seat is built in below. : Life-changing renovation