Despite being dipped in Twink, the Beatty house of 1961 is a glorious display of Warren & Mahoney’s unmistakable style. The garage and rooms above were a later addition with the help of Sir Miles.

…continue reading 27 Cannon Hill Cr. L J Beatty House. Warren & Mahoney.

This one caught me by surprise on a journey to my location further up the hill. Peering in the window gave a glimpse of all the original fittings and fixtures. It also nearly gave me 4 years for trespassing and invasion of privacy.

…continue reading 4 Michael Ave. Architect Unknown.

Designed by Griffiths in 1957 for Dr W M Platts. We know nothing about the architect or the dog. The original tiled roof has been replaced and some white paint splashed around, but otherwise she looks pretty good.

…continue reading 69 Hansons Ln. Platt House. G D Griffiths.

Regarded as one of Canterbury’s most exciting young Christchurch architects of the 1960s, Nicholas sadly died of illness in his mid 30s. Working at Warren and Mahoney, he was instrumental in the design of some of their key projects including the Christchurch Town Hall, Dorset St Towers, Christchurch College (College House) Chapel, St Augustines Church and numerous houses.

…continue reading Nicholas Kennedy.

Holger Henning Hansen arrived in Christchurch from Denmark in the 50s and built a family home in 1958 on a concrete floor using cavity concrete block walls – a technique subsequently used by almost all modern Christchurch architects in the 1960s and one of the first clear expressions of its use in Canterbury.

…continue reading Holger Henning Hansen

A talented designer, Don arrived in Christchurch with the intention of forming a Southern ‘Group’ with a bunch of fellow Auckland University graduates, including Alan Mitchener. The group disbanded during their first project – a hexagonal house on a Redcliffs hill site – as excavations became difficult and job offers appeared. Don finished the house and went to work with Stewart Minson.

…continue reading Don Cowey

Not much known about this little ripper designed in the late 1950s, but supposedly penned by Peter Beaven during a brief stint working for George Griffiths. Trapezoidal front door anyone? A later, not-so-elegant second story addition is by Don Donnithorne.

…continue reading 32 Creyke Rd. W Beaven House. G D Griffiths.

These cleverly designed seaside townhouses are built on a staggered footprint which means views for all and a communal cricket pitch. Six-and-out, electric wickets.

…continue reading 53 Beachville Road. Warren & Mahoney.

Don Donnithorne built this wee gem for himself in 1952 and brought simple, Scandinavian architecture to Christchurch. The house and neighbouring studio are perfectly designed and the Lancia Zagato in the driveway is probably the coolest car in New Zealand. Hats off, Don.

…continue reading 41 Yaldhurst Rd. Donnithorne House & Studio.

Holger Henning-Hansen’s own home designed in 1958. Not much to see from the street except some blue outdoor furniture on loan from the Greek Islands.

…continue reading 11 Braco Pl. Henning Hansen House.

Humphrey Hall desingned this Japanese influenced home for construction company owner John Fletcher. The home was built in 1964 as an advertisement for employing the services of an architect and the quality of good construction.

…continue reading 30 Newbridge Pl. Fletcher House. Hall & Mackenzie

An open letter to all Christchurch Modern home owners.

Please, please, please don’t park your Toyota Echo (or equivalent) in the driveway. This seemingly small, but selfish act compromises the photos and lowers the tone of the site.

…continue reading 100 Beachville Road. David Thornley.