Renovating a former power substation held many challenges for an Auckland couple, including choosing paint.
Living in a former electricity substation has posed unique challenges to renovators Monique Facon and Shane Clapson.
Built in 1946 as an Auckland Electric Power Board substation to power trams in Onehunga, the couple's art deco home is made of solid concrete.
When they wanted to improve the flow between the dining room and kitchen by removing half the wall, concrete cutters had to be called in.
"Concrete cutting is not for the faint-hearted," says Clapson. "The dust and noise is surreal. It took six hours to cut 2.5sq m."
The house also threw up other challenges soon after the couple bought it in a partially renovated state in 2001.
"We didn't look very closely when we bought the house, so were shocked in our first week," Clapson says. "The place was freezing cold as there were so many draughts and we found exposed wiring that had been hiding behind furniture when we viewed the place.
"Also, there were few power points or lights, which was ironic as we saw photos from when the previous owners bought the place and there were power points everywhere, which, for reasons unknown, they took out. It cost us thousands to install power, lights and heating."
"The main challenge was the concrete walls," says Facon. "Just putting in power is a mission, as you have to use a conduit; and just hanging a picture requires a concrete drill and dynabolts."
During the project, the couple stayed true to the building's heritage, keeping original features such as light fittings and a power box, while Facon's father and Clapson designed an upstairs balustrade based on the art deco pattern on the home's exterior.
"We could have replaced the windows rather than restore them," Facon says, "but new windows would never have looked the same. We imported the window latches from England, as it was impossible to get replacement parts here."
Both graphic designers, Clapson and Facon were confident about using colour in their home, although Clapson admits it took time to get used to the red Facon chose for the lounge's two largest walls. Specially mixed for her, the colour gave the house a lift during winter when the 5m stud made heating difficult before the couple installed a heat pump.
In the kitchen, their first colour choice for the walls was white, inspired by loft apartments. "This lasted two hours, as we thought it was horrid," says Facon. "We love the current blue and it works well. We aren't afraid to go with bold tones."
However, the upstairs en suite has proved problematic. Clapson and Facon admit they are up to paint shade number 12 in the bathroom.
"Once we painted the bathroom walls bright orange but that lasted only three days," says Facon. The latest choice is a calm blue, which they are happy with at the moment.
"With a home, you're never completely happy with it, as you're always being inspired by new ideas," admits Clapson.
Style tips
Small sacrifices: While Facon and Clapson knew gibbing over the concrete walls would make it easier to install insulation and power points, they weren't prepared to jeopardise the building's character.
Trial and error: Be bold with paint colour. If you don't like it, you can try something else.
Private lives: If you live close to the street, consider installing opaque glass as it lets in plenty of light while providing privacy.
