This early 60s home hasn’t fared well under heavy-handed alterations and mis-judged additions. The summerhill stone and timber has been painted over and the overall feel is of a builder’s show home. The red stuff is just plain silly.

…continue reading 61 Wai-iti Tce. Don Cowey.

Frank Lloyd Wright meets Brady Bunch House ranch modernism in 1970s Fendalton. The ultra low pitched roof looks sweet in combination with the well-chosen sandstone, dark timber and super-clean brickwork. Nice job.

Unfortunately never built, but designed in 1964 in the first year of Ian’s own practice. Gerald Melling, in his book Joyful Architecture, observes the design is clearly of the Christchurch Style and is “careful, conservative, tentative……the Architect looking over his shoulder. An uncompromisingly direct rectilineal gable hanging over a rigidly organised plan.”

…continue reading Riverlaw Tce. Harland House. Ian Athfield.

Designed to give maximum sun to as many rooms as possible, this concrete block and weatherboard design featured in the Christchurch Art Gallery Group Show, November 1963. Originally the blocks were painted white, but on the whole the home is well-preserved and still looks smart.

…continue reading 19 McDougall Ave. Hobbs House. Lawry and Sellars.