Christchurch Modern » Sumner

105 Panorama Rd. Don Donnithorne.

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:24:26 +0000

Despite some over-zealous painting, there’s no mistaking the modernist lines of this Don D. ‘Hollywood Hills’ pad. Those extended concrete roof beams are visible from the moon and the views over the ocean and alps are epic.

49 Clifton Tce. Belworthy House. William Taurau Royal.

admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:58:22 +0000

Created for a bachelor, well-known Christchurch florist Cliff Belworthy, his cat and two fox terriers. Cliff was adamant he wasn’t prepared to “live in a house like Mrs Jones on the corner” and asked for a house “that no sane person would copy”. His only practical request: “two bedrooms, as far apart as possible”.

The house was completed in 1969 and has been extended since to make it more family-friendly, presumably, losing some of its tight original design.

Bill Royal & family.

From 1950 to 1954 Bill Royal was employed by the Ministry of Works in Auckland and Christchurch, and from 1955 to 1960 worked for the Canterbury and Auckland Education Boards. Bill then became an associate partner of Warren, Mahoney and Associates, before setting up private practice.

24 Whitewash Head Rd. Stewart Minson.

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:38:02 +0000

A Home & Building award winner in 1947 and pleasingly intact. Houses like this are disappearing faster than you can say “recessed halogen downlights”.

58 Colenso St. Piano House. Paul Pascoe

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:45:29 +0000

Everyone loves this house down in Sumner, including us. It’s built on an awfully narrow block, but cleverly uses open plan living on the upper level to make the most of the space and view – unheard of in 1945. Originally filled with Garth Chester plywood furniture, which Pascoe admired, the house has been nicely updated over the years and still stands out for all the good reasons.

Originally the ground level was painted a darker colour to give the first floor the appearance of ‘floating’.

53 Beachville Road. Warren & Mahoney.

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:51:49 +0000

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.