Refurbishing traditional homes: Character with a twist

10 August 2023

Christchurch is a vibrant and picturesque city. Celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture, it offers a wide range of properties that reflect its diverse character. It boasts a mix of architectural styles: a blend of the contemporary and the innovative with the more traditional properties.


Housing in the city is in high demand, competition for both for resale and new-build properties is considerable which has led to an increase in traditional properties undergoing renovations. Christchurch’s architectural builders Shaun Bradley Builders share the advantages of incorporating contemporary innovations into a traditional home renovation.


Integrate contemporary building materials

One of the key considerations of refurbishing a traditional property is compliance with Building Codes. These codes are essential to ensure the property is structurally sound, energy efficient and safe for its occupants. At first glance, these strict requirements may seem at odds with preserving the property’s charm, but there are ways to seamless merge the old with the new.


Since the property was first built, there have been developments in the building materials used for houses. Advanced insulation, fire-resistant finishes and earthquake resistant foundations which can be discreetly integrated into older properties without impacting the property’s unique character. As Master builders with vast architectural home build experience, Shaun Bradley Builders are skilled in devising innovative strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the codes, while preserving the essence of the original design.

 

Original fireplace in a Christchurch home

Retain and respect original features

Your first instinct maybe the original features cannot be salvaged. However, high end builders have clear experience of renovating traditional properties to sustain and honour their original character, history, and heritage. There are distinctive elements of a property’s era that can be sympathetically repaired and rejuvenated often to a perfect condition. There may be occasions when replacement is necessary, but there are superb alternatives to align harmoniously with the building’s original aesthetic.


Improve layout for functionality and lifestyle

Renovating an older property is not simply restoration. Retaining period features does not have to be at the expense of having a space to suit your individual preferences. It’s about making adjustments to make it more functional for your contemporary lifestyle. Renovation provides an opportunity to breathe new life into a property whether that’s changing the layout, taking down walls to make a larger living space, or adding an extension.


Improve health and home environment

Older properties are renowned for being draughty and damp which often means mould develops. Exposure to mould significantly impacts health and can trigger respiratory illnesses in the young, elderly and people with weakened immune systems. A refurbishment allows for the integration of modern insulation and energy efficient heating and cooling systems not only reduces utility bills and carbon footprint but deliver a more comfortable, upgraded and agreeable home environment. Your home should be a joy to live in, not just look at.


With over 80 years of experience between us, Shaun Bradley Builders are highly skilled and experienced at renovating older properties. We combine time-honed skills with the latest innovations to create homes that celebrate their heritage as much as they do luxury living.


If you would like to find out more about our builds and renovations and how we can help you with your project, please do contact us, click here or call 027 284 5363.

A large white house is surrounded by bushes and flowers.

Restoring the Past, Building for the Future: Your Guide to Period Restorations & Historic Home Renovations in Christchurch

by Shaun Bradley • 4 June 2025
There’s something undeniably special about owning a historic home in Christchurch. From the intricate woodwork and high ceilings to the stories etched into every brick, period homes are a unique part of our city’s character. But maintaining or restoring these beautiful homes requires care, expertise, and a deep respect for their heritage. At Shaun Bradley Builders, we understand the importance of preserving the past while ensuring your home meets the needs of modern living. Whether it’s a full-scale period restoration or a sensitive renovation of a heritage property, our team has the experience, craftsmanship, and passion to help Christchurch homeowners breathe new life into their historic homes. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring period homes, what you should consider before starting your project, and how our team can help you protect your investment while honouring your home’s history. Why Period Restorations Matter in Christchurch Christchurch is home to a wide range of architectural styles, from Edwardian villas and bungalows to character homes from the 1920s and 30s. These homes are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a part of the fabric of our local communities. But after years of wear and tear, earthquakes, and the demands of modern life, many period homes need thoughtful restoration to bring them up to today’s living standards while retaining their original charm. That’s where we come in. Shaun Bradley Builders specialises in sensitive, high-quality renovations that respect a home’s history while making it fit for the future.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.
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