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Design Review: Volume 5, Issue 3 (July-August 1953)

A House at Waddington

page 69

A House at Waddington

This house is for a family of two adults and four children. The house was designed to be built in two stages, each complete in itself. The first stage completed was the living room-study-kitchen area. This portion was built and used for three years before the bedroom wing was started, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. V. Simpson, and their family meanwhile sleeping in an old existing cottage on the site. The old cottage has now been demolished, the materials from it being used to construct a playhouse for the children in another part of the garden.

Site. The site is extensive, with some fine native bush, and slopes gently to the west. There are fine views over the Hutt Valley. Extensive clearing has been done by the owner, and lawns formed which merge pleasantly into the native bush on two sides of the house. Skilful and imaginative planting has also improved immensely the native advantages of the site without spoiling its informal character.

Planning. The general plan shape evolved from for considerations— the construction was to be in two stages—sun was required in all living and bedrooms—a view over the Hutt Valley was desired from the living room and principal bedroom—privacy was required from visitors, etc., using the approach drive. These conditions have been satisfied by placing the two plan stages at an angle to one another and linking them with a passage and side entrance unit. Advantage has been taken of the natural slope by placing the second (bedroom) stage 15 inches lower than the first stage, but it was still possible to work in an extensive storage/utility room under the principal bedroom. The children's bedrooms are divided by sliding folding doors, which are opened during the day to give one large play space. It is interesting to note that the living room, one wall of which is entirely glass, can become too warm for comfort on sunny days in mid-winter.

Construction is normal wood frame. Roofs ars single slope covered with bituminous fabric. Ceilings of minor and service rooms are sloping. Ceilings of principle rooms are level, the ceiling joists beng used to form flat trusses with the roof joists over large spans. Weatherboards are sawn and oiled. Resin bonded ply and vertical t. and g. have been used for contrast. River stones are used to face all external concrete walls. Interiors are lined with Pinex and Gibraltar board, and are painted throughout. Windows are designed to fit between cased studs, and no large trimmers were needed. Where no opening sash is provided glass is fixed directly into the frame.

(1) A view of the house from the garden.

(2) The living room.

(3) A view of the house showing bedroom wing.

(4) This bedroom can be divided down the middle by a movable wall.

(5) The main bedroom with the dressing room in the rear.

photography: Photo News

photography: Photo News

page 70