ENGLISH COLONIAL DESIGN

Evening Star, Issue 22456, 29 September 1936, Page 2

ENGLISH COLONIAL DESIGN

MR AND MRS KEVIN DUN'S NEW HOME A NOTABLE ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENT The free style of colonial residential architecture, which has been of late adopted in the main centres of New Zealand as reminiscent of the comfortable old-world dwellings of the Homeland, is exemplified in the fine new residence of Mr and Mrs Kevin Dunn, which, has just been completed in Pitt street. Constructed of brick and plaster veneer on sound and well-built wood framing, roofed with locally-made glazed tiles of a unique russet brown colour, and rising from firm concrete foundations, this home, set well above the street level amidst the softening influence of trees, and with a huge oak spreading its boughs' in welcome above the entrance drive and steps, should bo an outstanding _ example of English colonial residential comfort and security for many years to come. Internally the arrangement and size of the rooms spell comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. On the ground floor the cosy front porch opens into a large beam-ceilinged hall with its open fireplace and stair built in to' match the richly painted walls. From the entrance hall open a cloak room, guest’s .bedroom, and a short rear hall from which the huge lounge, the dining room, kitchen, and garage (by means of a small stairway) are approached. Dining room and lounge (ire also connected by double _ glass doors, while the lounge opens directly on to a wide brick paved terrace overlooking the city. The kitchen—equipped to please the modern housewife—has a breakfast nook attached

from which a wonderful view of the harbour may be seen while one sits in the morning sun. On this floor also are the laundry, coals, conveniences, and maid’s room. The first floor comprises a large bedroom and dressing room, a second bedroom, a largo sunroom glassed on three sides and receiving every mhvito of sunshine, the bathroom, ’ convenience, and shower room. These rooms, with their coved ceilings and dormer windows, are indeed charming. The finish of the bathroom and basin recess is a credit to the art of the fibrous plasterer, who has achieved, with arches and columns and plain surfaces, an effect of quiet luxury which has been enhanced by the deep rose-col-oured enamel finish. The burgundy colour of the basin and the bath, which is raised three steps above the floor, completes the richness of this room. Every room has been studied as to position, aspect, and finish, to give the most in comfort and pleasurable living. Fibrous plaster has been used throughout the walls and ceilings, the whole being coloured one shade of cream—unusual, but most effective. The floors are maple in very narrow boards, and have been seasoning for many years in the warehouse of a local firm, so that the finish which has been obtained' with a surfacing machine is perfect. From every angle, this home, of which the owners are justly proud, looks well and stands ,a credit to tho forethought and co-operation of tho owners, the builder (Mr L. F. Woods), and the architects (Messrs Stone hnd Sturraer, A.A.1.A.A.), who have combined to add another to the increasing list of splendid homes so profusely scattered around the wooded slopes of this city.