House of the Long Dog
Completion
2025
Photography
Arie Stokes
Renovation
Typology
Coromandel Township
Location
A heritage renovation of a Category 2 listed former Methodist Church, reworked as a contemporary dwelling.
The project works closely with the existing structure—retaining the original form, proportions, and timber fabric, while introducing a series of restrained interventions to support modern living. The primary volume remains largely intact, allowing the spatial qualities of the church to continue to define the interior.
New elements are carefully inserted within the existing envelope, creating a clear distinction between old and new. Spaces are arranged to balance communal living with quieter, more private areas, guided by the scale and rhythm of the original building.
Material decisions prioritise retention and restoration. Existing timber linings and structure provide a warm, consistent base, with new materials introduced in a complementary and understated palette.
Openings are refined to improve light and ventilation, and to strengthen connections to the surrounding landscape. Outdoor areas extend the living spaces, supporting a more relaxed and informal use of the building.
The project is an exercise in continuity—preserving the character and presence of the original church while enabling a new mode of occupation.