Why We Chose to Build a Replica Villa - Our Journey to a Home With Heart
For as long as we can remember, we’ve dreamed of owning a villa. There’s just something about the character, the craftsmanship, the history in every weatherboard and window. So when we finally found a section that felt right, we thought the dream was about to fall neatly into place.
Like many people with a love for heritage homes, our first idea was to relocate an original villa onto the site. We looked into it seriously, the charm, the authenticity, the instant history all appealed to us. But the more we researched, the clearer it became: a transported villa would always be a 100-year-old home. It would come with all the quirks and limitations that age brings, and we wanted a home that would not only look like a villa but live like a modern, high-performing house.
Because we both have heritage experience, having worked on villas and character homes throughout our careers, we knew we could take everything we loved about traditional villa architecture and pair it with the performance of a new build. That became the heart of our vision: a replica villa that honoured the past and embraced the future.
Designing a Villa That Works for Modern Living
As we began sketching ideas, we realised something quickly: the traditional villa floor plan doesn’t always suit the way families live today. Villas were designed for a different era, with formal rooms, narrow hallways, and living spaces tucked away from the sun. On top of that, our site wasn’t straightforward; it had an awkward shape that made the conventional layout even harder to justify.
So we made a decision that changed everything.
We kept the classic villa form at the front, the gable, the verandah, the proportions, the detailing — and then connected it to a modern living wing tucked at the rear. This new wing is deliberately in high contrast to the villa: clean lines, larger spaces, open-plan living, and a stronger connection to the outdoors. It gives us the lifestyle flow we wanted, while the villa at the front gives the home its heart and character.
Building for Performance - Not Just Aesthetics
While the look of the home mattered to us, performance mattered even more. We wanted the home to be warm, dry, efficient, and comfortable in every season. Full Passive House certification was our ideal target — but like many building dreams, the budget had other plans.
Instead of going all the way, we incorporated as many Passive House principles as we realistically could:
Excellent airtightness
High-performance windows
Generous insulation
Smart ventilation
Thoughtful solar orientation
The result? A home that looks timeless but performs like a modern, energy-efficient build, without stretching the budget beyond reach.
A Home That Tells Our Story
In the end, building a replica villa allowed us to create the best of both worlds: the nostalgia and beauty of a classic Kiwi villa, paired with the comfort, flow, and performance of a contemporary home. It’s a home that reflects our values, our experience, and our journey , and one that we hope will stand proudly for the next 100 years.
