On this page are shown two exterior views of Marino Gardens, Mt. Eden, Auckland.
Kenneth W. Aimer, F.N.Z.I.A., A.R.I.B.A., Architect

These two recent blocks of flats erected, one in one of our newest, and the other in one of our oldest suburbs, show how popular is the appeal of this type of dwelling.

In recent years, both abroad and at home, the discussion over "Flats versus Houses" has been very much in the news.

Both have their advantages, many of them a matter of personal opinion depending on the type of life the individual enjoys. In these pages we illustrate two noteworthy examples of this modern trend.

Marino Gardens — Mt. Eden

There are eighteen flats in Marino Gardens, arranged in a two-storey block having nine flats on each floor. Sixteen of the flats are arranged in four groups of four flats each, served by one principal entrance and staircase to each group; the other two flats have independent entrances. Each flat throughout the block has its own separate trades entrance, giving direct access to the kitchen, so that trades and services are entirely excluded from the principal entrances. Each flat extends the full width of the block, and thus secures direct sunshine both in morning and afternoon. The accommodation of each flat comprises private entrance hall, living room, with meal alcove, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and rear service porch. The living room and meal alcove together occupy the full depth of the flat, 29 ft., and thereby secure good through ventilation.

Each flat is provided with an independent hot water service to sink and to bathroom, and is fitted with a refrigerator in the kitchen. Thirteen lock-up garages are provided on the site, together with three laundries and ample drying space.

Above is illustrated a typical kitchen in one of the flats at Marino Gardens.

Built on the site of an old suburban home, the block is surrounded by gardens, shrubs and fine old trees. A hard tennis court with brick shelter pavilion completes the garden layout. The exterior walls are plastered in dark cream tone with warm buff quoins and frieze band, on red brick base. The roof is of terracotta tiles in blended shades of red, brown and purple. The metal work, spoutings, rainwater pipes, etc., are of copper unpainted. Window surrounds painted in pale green. Inside, the entrances are finished in toned plaster, the halls and principal rooms in paper and wall board, and kitchens and bathrooms in bright enamel, in shades of pale green, cream and apricot. The ground floor ceilings are of insulating board, natural finish, to reduce the transmission of noise. Entrance ceilings have a toned and textured finish.

Garden Court—Mission Bay

With the completion of the block of flats pictured below, Auckland's most popular marine suburb takes another stride forward.

Erected right on the waterfront of Mission Bay, these delightful flats offer home seekers a convenient and artistic solution to their problem. Comprising 20 flats, "Garden Court" reflects the most modern practice in flat design.

Each flat is completely self-contained, and is designed to give the maximum amount of comfort and utility with the minimum expenditure of space.

The kitchenettes, whose layout from a utility and convenience point of view is noteworthy, incorporate every labour-saving device possible, including stainless steel sink benches, with double sinks for the laundering of small articles, disappearing cutting and ironing boards, refrigerators, and adequate crockery, pot and storage cupboards, as well as easily running bins and drawers.

The bathrooms also feature the latest ideas, including built-in generous-sized baths, pedestal basins, towel and medicine cabinets, mirrors, page 22

Two typical interiors at Garden Court are illustrated on this page—a kitchenette above, and below a bathroom.

opaque glass wall linings, rubber flooring, and shielded hot and cold showers.

Colour schemes throughout each flat are artistic and restful, being in the new matt pastel tonings, with which any furnishing scheme will blend to perfection. A most pleasing feature of the layout of each flat is that of the Lounge and Dining-room. These are so placed that when desired they may be combined as one large room for entertaining.

Other features are … Modern lighting fixtures giving soft diffused lighting … Built-in bookshelves … Precast fireplaces … Chromium plated metalwork throughout … Airtight garbage tin cupboard under sink bench with outside ventilators … Well proportioned bedrooms with built-in wardrobes featuring reflex mirrors … Ample light and ventilation, with folding windows in the main rooms … Artistically arranged grounds and gardens.

Last, but not least, every habitable room in every flat has a glorious view of the harbour and its full share of the sun.