This Ian Athfield 1968 house is a rare Christchurch example of his residential work, designed for his school rowing coach. Before Athfield came to prominence in Wellington, he’d spent time under the tutelage of Miles Warren and the influence in this early work is obvious.

The asymmetrical design also references the work of Peter Beaven, who admired the house greatly.

Ian Athfield built a little house in Opawa (sic). It was my favourite Christchurch house for many years. The Christchurch Style was extended into much more romantic forms without losing any of the discipline of that style.