Minaret Ridge Renovation, NZ Real Estate, Wanaka Home, New Zealand South Island Building, Architecture Photos

Minaret Ridge Renovation in Wanaka, NZ

10 September 2025

Design: Condon Scott Architects

Location: Wanaka, Otago region, South Island, New Zealand

Photos © Simon Larkin

Minaret Ridge Renovation, South Island, New Zealand

This architecturally designed renovation project was the brainchild of a local builder who was eager to tackle a large scale, transformational renovation that would ultimately become their family home. A simple, gable formed home on a site in Peninsula Bay, Wānaka provided the perfect starting point.

Within close proximity to Lake Wānaka, the existing home was single-story and surrounded by low-rise suburban neighbours, meaning the incredible surrounding views of the lake were unnecessarily obscured. We met the client’s ambitious vision head-on, adding a second story which immediately gave access to the mountain vistas, while significantly increasing the overall floorplan by an additional 90 sq/m.

The end alterations have completely modernised the design in both layout and appearance, morphing the house into a high-end, contemporary home both inside and out. The internal configuration of the lower level was reworked into a more functional arrangement, while the upper level added a master suite and secondary living area with an external covered balcony for entertaining.

The floating volume of the new upper level is clad in heavily mortared schist stonework, contrasting dramatically with the existing lower-level horizontal cedar weatherboard, which has been effectively revitalised with a dark stain. A schist wall wraps around the street frontage, giving a sense of privacy for the home owners.

The rooms on the lower level have been extensively renovated; rejuvenated with new joinery, fixtures and flooring to complete the contemporary aesthetic, including a new kitchen and bathroom interiors. The schist materiality continues within the interior, with a striking full height feature wall behind the stairs. A wine cellar is incorporated into the stone wall beneath the staircase, showcased by floor-to-ceiling glazed panels.

What inspired the Minaret Ridge Renovation project, and what are the primary goals you aim to achieve with this transformation?

The project was the brainchild of our clients who wanted a modern and spacious new home and the intention was to execute a fully transformational renovation and do the site and stunning views justice. We wanted to create character and interest and ensure the live-ability of the home. The brief was to keep the footprint the same but add a second level to capture the view, change the internal configuration of rooms and extensively rejuvenated and reclad the home.

Minaret Ridge Renovation in Wanaka, NZ – Building Information:

Design: Condon Scott Architects – https://condonscott.nz/

Builder: Christie Brothers Building
Kitchen Design: Stacey Anderson Design Studio
Plumbing Fixtures: Hardy Interiors
Styling: Laura Christie
Photography: Simon Larkin