Mt Albert: Smitten

The owners of this cute city-fringe home are finding it hard to say farewell, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Searching about six months for a home on the city fringe, Sarah and Charles Goldie intended putting down roots in Ponsonby or Mt Eden. Yet when this design-savvy publishing couple discovered a timeless architectural treasure in Mt Albert, they quickly changed their minds.

The couple were smitten by the Mann House, which was designed in 1960 by Ivan Juriss, a founding member of the renowned Group Architects. Charles was acquainted with this trail-blazing group for he had worked for the publisher of Peter Shaw's The History of New Zealand Architecture, a lengthy tome that included a piece on The Mann House.

The book details Juriss' individual approach, which differed to his colleagues who sought to define a vernacular: 'Despite the fact that it was one of the first houses of unpainted concrete construction built in Auckland and at the time seemed uncompromisingly modern to its bewildered neighbours, his Mann House has a refinement of finish which was characteristic of its architect'.

Pointing out its many features, Charles struggles to define succinctly why the house brings on such strong emotions. "There are so many things which make it special. I love the raw concrete block walls and the different timbers."

Polyurethaned matai floors and a lighter timber lining the ceilings give visual warmth. The house is lit by quirky windows positioned at unexpected heights in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a clerestory in the kitchen area. A large window low to the floor looks out to leaves clambering up a wall. Another tiny window above shoulder height seems to be there simply to emphasise the depth of the concrete wall.

Says Sarah: "It has a really good feel about it. The design is fabulous. The combination of materials is amazing. It's actually quite a warm house and the details are really interesting. The windows are a real feature. It's just so unusual - 45 years old yet very modern. The garden, which combines formal and subtropical elements, is special as well."

Built on the Randerson Estate on land once belonging to next door, the house hides in a quiet street on a large property surrounded by mature trees planted long before the house. A monstrous jacaranda in the front and a large maple to the rear give shelter. Equally arresting is a more recent grove of puka, cabbage trees and palms, which separates the lawn from a terraced vegetable garden created from ceramic bricks that were part of the Randerson Estate boundary wall.

For those who appreciate original design, it's fortunate the original owners lived in the house up until 1995, so it's immaculately preserved. Sympathetic alterations have added space and enhanced its liveability. An upstairs bedroom suite with a study, designed by Juriss himself , was added in 1974, with an en suite by architect Marshall Cook. Cook, a Group Architects' sympathiser, also opened up the living area with a huge glass door to a rear terrace. Now both sides of this area flow freely into the garden.

Though eschewing doors, the living area is separated into different spaces for various functions. None of the rooms are large, but they work together comfortably and fluidly. A casual dining area sits next to the kitchen and a long, narrow office provides good storage for books behind. Around the corner, a more formal dining area enjoys the heat of a fireplace in a larger sitting room.

Two bedrooms are distanced from the entry by a contemporary mosaic bathroom and laundry area with built-in cupboards and a benchtop. The bedrooms have good storage, and drawers with angled slatted fronts offer easy access.

The master bedroom upstairs repeats the original drawer design. It's done so sympathetically that nobody would ever know it's a more recent addition. It was one of the few areas where the Goldies felt at liberty to add their input. They wallpapered one wall in a beautiful Osborne & Little floral design with a silver sheen that adds a hint of Art Nouveau to the room.

As extremely reluctant vendors returning to Australia, the Goldies are finding it difficult to let go. They say the Mann House is well worth crossing town for - as warm, comfortable and uplifting for a family today as it was when built in 1960.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 10 Violet St, Mt Albert.

FEATURES: Classic 1960s home by Ivan Juriss of the Group Architects with areas sympathetically enhanced by Marshall Cook; concrete block walls and timber floors/ceilings; flowing living areas opening to large mature garden; study; three bedrooms - one with adjoining study and en suite; two contemporary bathrooms; separate toilet; carport and outside storage.

SIZE: Land area 730sq m.

AUCTION: 6.30pm, June 17, All Saints Church, Ponsonby Rd.

AGENTS: Anne Duncan and Dene Moss-Mason, Ray White, Mt Albert. Ph 846 9184 bus; Anne 021 996 426 mob; Dene 021 567 100 mob.