How to Renovate a Lockwood Home
- TopBuilders
- May 9
- 3 min read
Lockwood homes are uniquely New Zealand. First introduced in the 1950s, they’ve earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship, weather resistance, and a distinct timber style. If you’ve owned one for a while, or just moved in, you might be considering ways to bring it up to date without losing its character. Renovating a Lockwood takes a bit of planning, but the results can be stunning when done right.
What is a Lockwood home?
A Lockwood home is a prefabricated house made with solid timber walls that interlock without nails or screws. This construction method creates an incredibly strong, stable structure. From the outside, they’re easy to spot with their timber cladding, pitched roofs, and clean lines. Inside, you’ll find exposed wood throughout walls, ceilings, and floors with a layout that tends to feature open-plan kitchens and living areas.
Most Lockwood kitchens were designed with built-in cabinetry and a practical connection to dining and lounge areas. Bathrooms are typically compact but functional, and you’ll often see consistent timber flooring running from room to room, clear-coated to show off the grain.
Are Lockwood homes warm?
Lockwood homes have a reputation for feeling warm thanks to the timber interiors, which offer a cosy, natural aesthetic. However, some older models lack proper insulation or double glazing. With the right updates, you can significantly improve thermal comfort while keeping the charm that makes these homes special.
Lockwood Homes Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of owning a Lockwood is the durability of the materials. The solid timber construction resists movement and can stand up to weather that would damage standard framing. You also get a warm, textural interior that many people find appealing. The homes are generally low maintenance, especially on the outside.
The main drawback is the wall system. Because the walls are structural, modifying them isn’t straightforward. Moving or removing a wall usually isn’t possible without significant structural consideration. Interiors can also feel dark due to all the wood and relatively small windows in many older designs. There’s also less flexibility with things like rewiring, insulation, and mounting new fixtures.
How to make a Lockwood home feel modern
Modernising a Lockwood home often starts with light. The timber interior is beautiful, but it can also feel heavy if the lighting is poor or the layout is closed off. One of the best ways to brighten things up is to add large windows or French doors. This not only increases natural light but also brings better connection to outdoor spaces.
Updating fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms can also make a big impact. Replace older benchtops and cabinetry with cleaner, more minimalist options that still suit the timber palette. Choose lighter flooring or rugs to break up the wood tones, and use white or neutral furniture to balance out the warmth of the timber walls.
How to update a Lockwood home
When it comes to how to renovate a Lockwood home, you’ll need to work with the structure rather than against it. Because the walls can’t be easily shifted, focus on enhancing what’s already there. Improve insulation and glazing if it hasn’t already been done. Open up dark corners with skylights or glass doors. Kitchens can often be reworked within the existing footprint by removing overhead cabinetry and replacing heavy finishes with something brighter.
Can you paint Lockwood timber walls?
Yes, you can paint Lockwood timber, but it’s not as simple as painting plasterboard. The timber usually has a clear protective coating that needs to be stripped or sanded before painting. Once prepared, you can use paint to completely change the feel of a room. Whitewashed finishes are popular, giving the walls a lighter, Scandinavian look while still showing off the timber grain. If you’re unsure, test one small area or start with just a single wall before committing to a full room. But first ask yourself – why would you want to?
If you're thinking about renovating your Lockwood home
Start by understanding what makes it unique. Don’t try to hide the timber—work with it instead. These homes have stood the test of time for a reason, and a thoughtful renovation will only make them better. Look at your space with fresh eyes. Bring in more light, keep the layout simple, and upgrade where it counts. With the right approach, you’ll end up with a home that’s comfortable, timeless, and still unmistakably Lockwood.
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