6 minute read
BOOK REVIEW
Pictured at the launch, from left Dr Nigel Issacs, Senior Lecturer Victoria University School of Architecture, publication author Geoff Mew, and HNZPT Chief Executive, Andrew Coleman.
Architects at the Apex
Architects at the Apex: The top 50 in New Zealand 1840-1940, a new publication on architecture in New Zealand, looks at the architects behind some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best-known buildings.
WORDS AND IMAGES: David Watt
There are many books about architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand, but Geoff Mew’s new book, Architects at the Apex, is also about the architects themselves. Fifty of the most well-known architects who made their mark in the first 100 years of European settlement are featured. “This publication has been designed to provide new information relative to New Zealand architectural studies from a different standpoint to those previously published. It combines biographical information with significant pictures of changing architectural styles and practices over an important period of growth of colonial architecture and the transition towards modernism,” says Geoff. Our Chief Executive, Andrew Coleman, was delighted that Antrim House, home to the national office of Heritage New Zealand, was chosen for the launch of the publication. “We are the lead heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand, and it is very appropriate that we have the opportunity to support the aims of this research work and the significant new values that it brings to heritage research and the architects who have made their mark in our country.” Dr Nigel Isaacs, Senior Lecturer at Victoria University Wellington School of Architecture, who launched the publication, is also warm in his praise. “The attention to detail and scholarship that Geoff Mew and Adrian Humphries, have given to this work, is as good as it gets.” He said the selection of the top 50 architects will undoubtedly be controversial. “But then architecture has always courted controversy. Yesterday’s ‘concrete monstrosities’ are today’s heritage, evoking memories (not always good) of the times in which they were created.” He observes that these architects brought imagination to the streetscapes of New Zealand, incorporating the latest in international thinking, not just design fads but ideas which created more usable and comfortable buildings. “This is an up-to-date reference text which will remain a valuable source of knowledge,” says Nigel. Published by Ngaio Press, the book is available from the author, at geoffmew@xtra.co.nz for $59.95 plus $6 postage. n
Montrose Homestead
Three years after the Kaikoura earthquake, Montrose Station Homestead is transformed in an award-winning restoration.
WORDS: Rosemary Baird IMAGES: Wayne Hutchinson
Early morning, on 14 November 2016, Jo and Dave McKenzie and their three children were shaken awake in their upstairs bedrooms by the 7.8 magnitude Kaikoura earthquake. Stunned and terrified, the family escaped via the roof, rather than risk the broken, brick-strewn, stairway. Their home, the 100-year-old Montrose Station Homestead, seemed damaged beyond repair. The Category 2 homestead, designed by Cecil Wood has been in Jo’s family since her great-grandfather built it in 1913. The house has seen its share of family weddings and memories. But straight after the earthquake, the family didn't want to return.
“It’s a pretty special place and I wanted to save it, but I wasn’t sure it could be safe enough for us as a family to live in,” says Jo. “It was a process of a number of people’s input that helped us believe it possible to make it safe enough”. Chris Wilson from Wilson & Hill Architects was one of the first to offer advice. From his experience in repairing earthquake damaged homes in Christchurch, Chris felt confident that a repair was possible. “Montrose Station is timber framed, and those houses are the ones that survive. I thought that if we could pull weight out of the building and put in steel frames, we could get it up to building code.” From his first visit, Chris could see the quality of the house. “You could see Cecil Wood’s design skills in the grand open spaces and detailing of the timber panelling and nooks. This was a house that was well built and finished. It was worth saving.” For Jo, making the house safe was the top priority. Engineer, Grant Coombes, of Engenium Engineers came up with a design to remove tons of bricks from the 12 chimneys. All the lathe and plaster was pulled out. Steel framing went in around the windows at the front of the house. Most importantly, one of the stairways was swivelled and rebuilt so it provided a safe exit from the top floor directly to the exterior of the building. Another important goal was to modernise the house. The back third of the house had been built as servants’ quarters, including the main kitchen. The new design moved the kitchen and living space into the northwest side of the home. built to the same footprint, containing a connected garage, mudroom and guest suite. This new addition reused all the old doors and windows.
“There’s a sense of authenticity as you move between the new and old sections of the house,” says Chris. “You’d never be able to source this beautiful wood joinery today." The building process turned out to be an experience for the whole family. The team from Mark Prosser Builders stayed between the farm and a house in Culverden during the week. Jo cooked lunch and dinner for up to 12 builders daily. “We really enjoyed the boys. They became part of the family. They were out playing cricket with my son in the evening,” says Jo. “It was a pretty cool process for the kids to go through, and that helped them feel comfortable moving back into the house." The restored Montrose Station Homestead is stunning. The original wood features glow with renewed life. “We’ve given this house at least another 100 years, by bringing it into the 21st century,” says Chris Wilson.
Director Southern Region, Sheila Watson, is thrilled with the outcome. “It was so satisfying to do what we could to support Jo and Dave in their dilemma. Their fantastic team came together to restore this magnificent home, and they have made it better than before. It was a brave move and has paid dividends. This project is a great example of how a team of owners, architects, builders and engineers who respect and understand heritage can accomplish great things together.” The restoration was recognised in June 2021 when the homestead was a joint winner of the Domestic Saved and Restored category at the Box 112 Canterbury Heritage Awards. The McKenzie family is now enjoying life back in their home. “It’s still got that neat feel of just a big old family home,” says Jo, “but now I’ve got a sunny kitchen in the centre of the house too!” n
LEFT: Montrose Station Homestead. TOP RIGHT: The living room, showing of the stunning wooden panelling and staircase. CENTRE RIGHT: A damaged fireplace in the homestead. BOTTOM RIGHT: The new family kitchen.
