Colonial style home opens to the public

Press, 16 August 1978, Page 12

Colonial style home opens to the public

People who have been watching with some fascination the erection of the colonial style home at the corner of Fendalton Road and Wairarapa Terrace will get the first opportunity today to inspect the building both inside and out. The “Sentry Box Hill” mode, which was designed by Replica Homes, Ltd, will be open to the public as a showhome from today between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, or can be seen by appointment at any time. This model is one of at least eight colonial style homes which will be available from Replica Homes, “We are trying to make these houses as authentically colonial as we can,” says the managing director of Replica Homes (Mr M. G. R. Hutcheson). “The designs are based on old homes mainly from Nelson, the West Coast and Canterbury and most of the originals were built between 1840 and 1880. “However, we had to start from scratch in the design, keeping in mind to get the best from old and modern homes. “This particular model took 18 months to ‘design and includes ; its owndoors, skirtings and architraves. “This' model cost about $45,000 to build but is

still relatively cheap compared to modern homes. In fact, at $23 a sq.ft people will be paying at the same rate for a standard house. “The sizes of our homes will range from about 800 sq.ft to 2600 sq.ft and the prices may range from $23,000 to $60,000. “The homes will be partly furnished and all the best materials are being used; the timber and pre-cuts are being supplied by Paynter and Hamilton. “There will be at least two variations on each design in our basic range and we also will have a design service. Replica Homes is designing and selling these homes and Paynter and Hamilton will be doing the building,” Mr Hutcheson said. The aim of Replica Homes is to recreate the utilitarian elegance of the homes built by New Zealand pioneers. Unfettered by the ostentatious fashions of Europe in the latter half of the 19th century, New Zealand’s earliest architects, partly because of necessity and scarcity of materials, but largely with an eye to the needs of a new society, were able to build functional homes of simple charm — verandas, french doors, attic bedrooms, beamed ceilings and decorative woodwork

all served to give the homes of the most humble colonist a character and atmosphere that has all but disappeared. Now, after years of research, poring over early histories, sketching, drawing and revising, Replica Homes’ designers have assembled a collection of designs featuring all types of homes and home units, faithfully recapturing the charm and quiet dignity of the homes built by the pioneer craftsmen. By using modern materials and building techniques, Replica Homes have even improved on the early designs. Important factors, such as insulation and central heating, vermin-proof _ materials and treated timbers, have enabled the firm to create an even more durable and better quality product. Regardless of technique and building methods, however. Replica Homes earnestly believe in the use of natural materials, exposed timber, beamed or coved ceilings and open living areas which all go to make a better living environment. The chief tenets of Replica Homes are verandas and external decoration (such as finials and carved fascia boards) to enhance the simple beauty of the early colonial designs. j