03 Magazine: February 03, 2024

Almost all the rooms have a view of Otago Harbour.
Being in their 20s and “not long married”, Stephen and his
wife needed something affordable, Jay says.
The home’s 3.6m width was based on the fact plasterboard
came in 1.2m sheets and they could use three across without
any wastage.
The construction of the upper floor was floor joists
with particle board flooring on top, which formed the
ceiling downstairs.
“That was again a cost-saving measure but it was also a look
that I was after.”
A 50m 2 extension added in 1984, just before the birth
of the Loach’s second child, provided a third bedroom and
additional living space for the expanding family.
All the original materials and design details were replicated,
although Stephen did take to an internal wall with a chainsaw
to create an opening between the staircase and the new
living area.
Before this addition, the home was only 80m 2 .
“There wouldn’t be many houses being built at that time
of that size so in a way it was a bit of an experiment …
These days it’s been recognised that small houses have got
a big role to play in this country because the cost of housing
is astronomical.”
While many properties from the ’70s have been
modernised, the Hutchinsons say they have only painted
and carpeted.
Despite suggestions from visitors, they haven’t enlarged the
3m by 2m kitchen or replaced the yellow Caroma toilet and
matching bathroom fittings.