East Meets West - Architect Designed Home in Dairy Flat

This fine example of mid-20th Century modernist architecture, designed by highly regarded local architect Rolly Adams, owned by the same family for many years, is now for sale. Built in 1968 on its original site at Mairangi Bay beach, it has recently been relocated as the beach site was targeted by the local council for public recreation space. The home now enjoys a completely different setting – 3.2 acres of gently rolling land in the equestrian and lifestyle mecca of Dairy Flat. Placed in this new environment, the home appears a little imposing with its skin of black cedar and white trim. Extensive planting of native shrubs, grasses and specimen trees will mature over the next few years to  effect a softer landscape to nestle the structure.

Part of the modernist aesthetic is about “dwelling in light and space”, and this home has an abundance of both. Floor to ceiling windows and doors, interior and exterior sliders, and high stud all work to break down the barriers between in and out. With its “U” shape floorplan, the house originally enclosed a Japanese garden and water feature. This space is now open to the greater landscape and allows pastoral views from every part of the house.

There is a subtle fusion of  Oriental and European design, the roof lines and internal sliders are reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture. A careful renovation has been undertaken since the move, and the interior designer has been sympathetic to the original design aesthetic. The kitchen and bathroom cabinetry has been retained – solid timber cupboards with sculpted wooden handles – bench tops have either been upgraded or repolished. It is a testament to the skill and vision of the original architect and builder that so many of the features of this home are completely contemporary. Yet this is not a home for those who are slaves to fashion and the culture of the new. Rather, it is for lovers of good design and those who have respect for our architectural heritage. This is a home to relax and entertain in, to showcase fine art and furniture,  and to enjoy the quiet pace of country life. For more details and open home times, click here or call Tony on 0800 61 8888

Northart Gallery is a community funded art gallery in Norman King Square, Northcote Shopping Centre, which regularly hosts local art exhibitions and runs after school art classes.  It’s open every day, 10 – 4, and admission is free.   In 2008, the gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary with an  exhibition called 10 Big Paintings,  which received some favourable reviews in Art News and  The NZ Herald. See what’s in the calendar at Northart.

Old building, new face

The Department Store, located at 10 Northcroft Street in Takapuna, is a refreshing change from the bland sameness of shopping malls. It’s a groovy industrial space – polished concrete floors, concrete ceilings and exposed beams – occupied by some savvy designers and retailers. Karen Walker Clothing, Black Box Boutique, Simon James Furniture/Design and Michael Lett Galleries occupy the ground floor, along with The Marr Lab (organic, non-toxic skin care), and The Tea Room (excellent coffee and delicious treats – I love the poppy seed cake!). There’s so many gorgeous things to look at and try on, and I really enjoy browsing the range of books on offer – architecture, design, cookery, art – the goods may be up-market but the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. A white spiral staircase leads to Lucy and the Powder Room (beauty spa), and the new Top Shop is on the top floor, sharing space with Stephen Marr Hair. The wash basins are cleverly hidden from view by an exotically lush, living wall of plants, all growing quite happily and providing a soft contrast to the hardness of the concrete. This building has come a long way since it was used as the Post Office (I worked there as a bank teller in the 70s). Good on the designers and business people who had the sense to retain the building and reinvent it as a superb, sophisticated retail experience.