Imagine turning your dream home into an unyielding fortress against nature's fury—something so resilient, it's practically bulletproof. That's exactly what artist Shane Hansen did after Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged his coastal haven in 2023. But here's where it gets really intriguing: this renovation wasn't just about repairs; it became a profound expression of identity, creativity, and family spirit. Stick around to discover how one man's artistic vision redefined his living space in ways that might just inspire your own renovation dreams.
In our new series for Viva, 'Renovation Diaries,' we dive deep into the inspiring tales of homeowners who have customized their abodes to perfectly mirror their lifestyles and passions. From vibrant color schemes and innovative materials to bespoke fittings and cozy furnishings, these stories celebrate the joy of crafting a truly personal sanctuary. It's all about letting your imagination run wild and creating a home that's uniquely yours.
Kicking off this series, we chat with Shane Hansen, a talented artist residing in the picturesque Tutukākā area of Northland. Hansen channeled his artistic prowess into reimagining his family's residence, evolving a modest upgrade into a sweeping overhaul infused with his original designs at every turn.
Nestled in Tutukākā, Hansen's contemporary coastal home now beautifully embodies his diverse cultural roots—he's of Tainui and Ngāti Mahanga-Hourua descent, with Chinese, Danish, and Scottish influences woven in. Maori toi carvings adorn both the interior and exterior, serving as striking, meaningful accents.
'It felt crucial to infuse our home with elements that truly represent us and our way of life,' Hansen shares. 'We cherish this spot; it's etched into our minds, hearts, and very beings. This is where we're destined to thrive.'
Who calls this remarkable home theirs? Shane Hansen, his partner Kirsty, and their two sons, Nikau (17) and Mikaia (14).
What were your primary aspirations for this renovation project? At the outset, our plans were straightforward: a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, and a quick interior repaint. But then Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its destructive force in 2023, exposing just how vulnerable our home's outer shell really was.
Built around 2003, when coastal construction standards lagged behind today's rigorous guidelines, the property lacked essential flashings around windows and doors, featured exposed rafters, horizontal corrugated cladding, and inadequate spacing between cladding and decking—leading to rampant corrosion. When the cyclone struck, relentless winds and rains infiltrated through these weak spots, compromising the home's integrity. The building wasn't equipped for the harsh coastal elements, allowing moisture and gusts to invade. Essentially, our whare (home) lacked the durability and protection it needed. So, our focus shifted dramatically: fortify the exterior to make it as impervious as possible, ensuring the interior could remain a serene, comfortable haven for relaxation and nurturing.
For novices dipping into renovation, think of 'bulletproofing' as upgrading your home's defenses—like adding extra layers of armor to a medieval castle. Hansen's experience highlights how ignoring coastal-specific challenges can lead to costly regrets, teaching us the importance of modern, resilient building practices.
Now, onto the standout creative elements that permeate Hansen's home. This renovation presented a thrilling chance to infuse artistic flair into every architectural detail, personalizing the space with subtle design flourishes that let him experiment with new techniques and materials. For instance, he devised a simple motif symbolizing whanaungatanga—deep family and community connections—and integrated it across various spots in the home.
In the bathrooms, the vanity fronts are all hand-painted with subtle variations of the same artwork, adding a layer of individuality that makes the space feel authentically theirs. Visitors often notice these hidden gems during stays, sparking conversations and enhancing their enjoyment of the environment. The outcome? A living space that welcomes guests, sparking inspiration and comfort through its storytelling details.
And this is the part most people miss: how these personal touches can transform a house into a living canvas, fostering emotional bonds that go beyond mere functionality.
Which room tops your list as the favorite? Without a doubt, the kitchen. Its design draws inspiration from Hansen's Danish ancestry, blended with mid-century modernism and a touch of 1970s nostalgia. The custom tiles from Middle Earth Tiles in Warkworth are absolute stunners—their warm, toffee-colored tones dance with the shifting light. It took Shane half a day to meticulously lay them out in what he describes as a 'randomly elegant' pattern, numbering each one and sketching a detailed plan for the tiler.
With a kitchen packed full of belongings, organization was paramount. Generous pantry and storage solutions were non-negotiable, allowing everything to be tucked away neatly. The entire back wall consists of ample cupboards, complemented by American oak handles, each boasting its own unique grain, adding a delightful, artisanal touch.
Preserving some of the home's history added invaluable character to the renovation. Retaining the original flooring and filling old plumbing holes with wood plugs felt right, and these small nods to the past bring smiles and a sense of continuity.
What key insights did you gain from this process? Altering structural walls can be a financial black hole! Initially, we pursued this idea, collaborating with an architect for comprehensive plans, an engineer for structural steel sleeve calculations and blueprints, and securing council approval. That preparatory phase alone ran up about $3000 before even soliciting building quotes. When the contractor quoted a conservative $10,000, we swiftly abandoned the plan—lesson learned on escalating costs.
Where did you find opportunities to trim the budget? We maximized reuse wherever possible. Rather than constructing an entirely new deck, we swapped out the damaged boards, sanded them down, and applied fresh stain. The result looks fantastic and slashed our expenses by roughly $20,000. We also reclaimed the oven, refrigerator, bathroom sinks, and faucets—giving them a thorough clean that made them appear as good as new. Additionally, we adjusted and repurposed most of the window blinds.
What was your initial budget estimate? We started with a figure of around $300,000, extrapolating from the cost of building my adjacent studio. However, with construction prices soaring over the intervening five years, we quickly realized this was only half of what we'd truly need. At one stressful juncture, we even contemplated selling up and relocating, wondering if that might be the wiser choice. But after previewing just one open home, it became abundantly clear: our hearts were rooted here, and we couldn't bear to depart. So, with a deep breath and considerable anxiety, Kirsty and I forged ahead with the renovation.
What did the total project end up costing? Approximately $600,000.
What's your top piece of advice for anyone gearing up for a renovation? For me, it boils down to 'aroha'—love. Ensure your home is crafted with and from love, so it elevates your emotional well-being and makes the substantial expense feel like a distant memory.
But here's where it gets controversial: is pushing a renovation budget to six figures—potentially straining family finances—worth the emotional payoff? Some might argue it's reckless indulgence, while others see it as an investment in long-term joy and security. What do you think? Does prioritizing personal expression and resilience justify such costs, or should homeowners stick to essentials? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Hansen's approach, or would you take a different path? And for those who've faced similar dilemmas, what's your take on balancing creativity with practicality in home updates?
For more insights on mindful home design and savvy living tips, check out our explorations of Kiwi residences, smart organization hacks, and innovative lifestyle ideas.
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