Teneriffe House by Vokes and Peters
Once dilapidated and almost unrecognisable, Teneriffe House has been carefully restored and thoughtfully extended by its considered custodians. Vokes and Peters Architects have approached the project with both respect and conviction, honouring the home’s past while confidently shaping its future. Positioned within the historic riverside suburb of Teneriffe, the residence was originally constructed in 1909 before falling into significant disrepair. Substantial deterioration had taken hold, yet within this heritage-rich enclave, demolition was never a consideration. Instead, the decision to restore was both natural and necessary, ensuring the home’s continued contribution to the character of the precinct. The ground level has been reimagined as a generous, connected living domain. The kitchen occupies a pivotal corner position, orientated east toward the pool and north across the expansive garden, complete with a playful amphitheatre. A paved brick arcade extends the kitchen seamlessly outdoors, reinforcing the relationship between interior and landscape. Original timber stumps have been replaced with a robust concrete substructure, while a wide concrete arcade provides structural clarity. Black striated screen walls and stable doors reference traditional darkened battens, anchoring the refined white timber and shingle form above. Upstairs, a sequence of bedrooms and elegant living spaces open onto the verandah. Along the southern edge, a series of washroom spaces are tucked neatly beneath the sloping roofline. An attic level provides a fully self-contained retreat. In a considered move toward longevity, the ground floor has been designed to operate independently if required, offering flexibility for multigenerational living or future adaptation. The resulting home balances heritage sensitivity with contemporary precision. Its material palette and geometry feel timeless, allowing the restoration to sit comfortably within its historic context while enhancing the surrounding urban fabric through a carefully resolved extension. Elevated to capture light and aspect, Teneriffe House unfolds through a series of beautifully articulated internal moments. That it might once have faced demolition underscores the importance of thoughtful custodianship. Today, it stands renewed, contributing once more to the architectural and cultural richness of Teneriffe.
