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.

…continue reading 105 Panorama Rd. Don Donnithorne.

Aside from an unfortunate 20-year love affair with red brick, Don seemed to prefer timber for his houses, but he did occasionally build in concrete block and the results were almost always good. The wide, low pitched roof was popular with architects at the time, but the crows nest bedroom and chunky chimney set this house apart.

…continue reading 8 Sulby Rd. Don Donnithorne.

Originally set on a half-acre block with orchard trees, the home has a northerly aspect and is constructed of red brick and pine boards. It’s nice the way the big fireplace and chimney punch through the Western wall. Good stuff, Don.

…continue reading 53a Garreg Rd. E F Flood House. Don Donnithorne.

Neat little concrete block number with a mono pitched roof and central chimney. Over 40 years old and looking fresh, it makes the most of the Canterbury plains view with the Northern wall floor to ceiling glass.

…continue reading 101 Old Tai Tapu Rd. Don Donnithorne.

Welcome to Cashmere and the official Christchurch Sound of Music Tour. On your left you will see the home of the famous Von Trapp family.

Hello Switzerland.

…continue reading 15 MacMillan Ave. Hardie House. Don Donnithorne.

From the good people at Home & Building magazine: “This house has an area of 1500sq. ft including the double garage. The floor is concrete slab on the ground with timber framed brick veneer walls. The ceilings arw eplaster ansd softboard with a corrugated galvanised iron roof. The house was fiished in 1962 at a cost of 4500 pounds”.

…continue reading 32 Greers Rd. Powell House. Don Donnithorne.

Christchurch Art Gallery.

18 – 24 October, 10am – 4pm on the hour.

This film profiles the interior and exterior of four modern houses in Christchurch using archival photographs and contemporary video with voiceover from architects and inhabitants.

…continue reading Four Houses From Four Decades

When this house was built in the early 60s it sat on recently sub-divided farmland on the top of Cashmere Hill and had no neighbours. The exterior is a combination of Dunedin brick and rimu weatherboards with cantilevered balconies from both floors. Difficult to see much from the street, but period photos show nice detail.

…continue reading 19 Takahe Dr. P H Russel House. Don Donnithorne

Our first house from the Bays and a humdinger at that. Don’s houses never seem to bother with being too clever and therein lies their appeal: simple design, good materials and quite often brown. Click through for some great archival pics.

…continue reading 30 Bayview Rd. Jensen House. Don Donnithorne.

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.