Mangare Bridge
From Dysfunctional to Delightful
When my joint venture partner and I first walked through this two-bedroom unit in Mangere Bridge, what we saw was the most unimaginative, incredibly dated, and dysfunctional space. It was the kind of property that many would walk away from, but we knew it had hidden potential.
One of the biggest disappointments was the private garden. While having outdoor space is a major drawcard, this one was only accessible through the garage. There was no flow from the living area, and no way to entertain guests outside. To make things worse, the bathroom was completely unworkable- cramped, badly laid out, and in desperate need of a rethink.
Playing to Our Strengths
As JV partners, we divided the project according to our strengths. My partner focused on the garden and improving indoor-outdoor flow. She designed and had a deck built, and we installed French doors from the living room, creating a seamless connection to the garden. For the first time, the outdoor area became an extension of the living space.
Meanwhile, I tackled the bathroom. By reworking the layout and changing the entry point, we turned a dysfunctional space into a modern, functional bathroom that became one of the unit’s highlights.
Together, we transformed what was once an awkward and uninspiring unit into a lovely city retreat, complete with the convenience of internal access garaging.
The Curveball
One lesson we took away from this project was that solving one problem can sometimes create another. By building a new doorstep to finish the garage passenger door properly, we unintentionally caused groundwater to flow into the neighbour’s garage. The fix required bringing in a drainlayer to install drainage and redirect the water. It was a reminder that renovation projects often come with surprises, and that flexibility and problem-solving are key.
The Stand-Out Features
When the project was complete, two features stood out above all else:
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The open feel created by the new French doors and deck, which made the unit feel significantly larger.
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The stunning, functional bathroom that added real value and livability.
What started as a tired, impractical property is now a modern, welcoming home with charm, functionality, and flow, the perfect example of how creative thinking and teamwork can completely reimagine a space.
