A PRIZE-WINNER

Evening Star, Issue 20982, 22 December 1931, Page 2

A PRIZE-WINNER

ATTRACTIVE SMALL HOUSE DESIGN WELLINGTON GIRL'S ADMIRABLE EFFORT Reproduced on this page is the winning entry in an architectural competition for the design of a small modern residence suitable to New Zealand conditions. The competition, which was promoted by the New Zealand agents for “TenTest” Insulating Building Board, was opep only to architectural draughtsmen' throughout Now Zealand,, and to students of the Auckland University College School of Architecture. The only woman competitor.in a total entry of thirty-three, Miss M. A. M‘lntyro, of Wellington, won the £25 first prize. Mr F. G. F. Shepherd, _of Auckland, was awarded the second prize of £lO. The third , prize of £5 was divided between Mr H. B. Fleck, of Wellington, and Mr A. S. W. Mackay, Auckland. At the present moment, all the prizewinning designs and those highly commended are on view in Messrs J. and A. Wilkinson’s warehouse, in King street, and have already won the admiration of members of the architectural profession of this city. Those members of the public who are interested in good house construction are advised to view these interesting designs. One feature of the competition was the stipulation that designs should include the use of insulating building board, which is to : day playing an important part in scientific building. Insulation from both heat and cold, as well as from undue noise is a welcome development of modern building construction. In their report of the entries received, the judges, two highly-qualified mem-

hers of tho profession, made many interesting and frank references to the vaiious designs._ The following arc extracts from their report: “ While in some respects the result of the competition was disappointing, yet, on tho whole, we fool that tho competitors may be complimented upon the designs submitted, which wo think are hopeful for_ the future of domestic architecture In this country. Wo were disappointed that there was no outstanding example of any type of design which seems to have been expressly influenced by New Zealand conditions. In view, however, of tho distinctly English ' character and traditions of the New Zealand people, of the temperate climate not unlike that of the Old Country, and other conditions, the development of any purely New Zealand type is not yot perhaps to bo expected.” “ As might be reasonably anticipated in a students’ competition, some elementary faults in planning were noticeable, such as, for example, living rooms which had no afternoon sun, and kitchens on the warm side of the house. Some competitors seemed not quite to I have reached up to tho standard of dwelling suggested by the supposed occupants, for example, the omission of downstaris cloak room-and lavatory accomodation, very ■ confined and congested halls, kitchens - opening immediately opposite the front • door, and similar faults. We particularly regretted that some competitors who apparently had the sounder grasp-of the principles of architectural design, and who possessed better gifts or training in presentation, showed weakness in practical planning.” ' “It appeared to us that in some instances competitors had foolishly adopted some elovational treatment which had appealed to them and then endeavoured; to fit a plan- to the elevations chosen, but had failed in the endeavour.” “The design placed first was noticeable for the excellent planning. The rooms were properly disposed for aspect, excellently arranged for the

convenience of the occupants, the house was well placed upon the -site and its exterior treatment, while distinctly traditional was yet suitable to New Zealand conditions, and beyond this possessed' a distinctly domestic and home-like quality.” “The design placed second had some defects in planning, but upon consideration of all the factors involved clearly held its place as the second design. Its exterior treatment was attractive in its simplicity, in its obvious wood qualities and the "design showed quiet and refined detail.” “Design No. 19 was one of the few purely modernistic designs in the com r petition. The plan was, in our opinion, the best submitted, and earned the author his place in the result. It filled the conditions of the problem, and was as straightforward and workmanlike as possible.' The exterior treatment of the building, however, showed the danger' of the modernistic type of design in inexperienced hands. It demonstrates that there are certain fixed principles at the basis of design, failure to -observe which in any chosen method of architectural expression is bound to result in work lacking in architectural feeling and beauty.” “ One point remains to bo noted that though the competition was for a tentest small house, and its promotion was due to the New Zealand agent of this material, the conditions envisaged the competition as one of architectural design apart from the use of ten-test in particular. It is Interesting in this connection to note that upon a comparison of the percentage figures for the various design factors at the conclusion of the judgment the prize winners retained their respective places when the factor of the use of tentest was omitted from the marking.*’ The illustration gives some idea of the comprehensive nature of the work submitted, and shows the house floor plans of the winner’s house design, together with an exterior view, several elevations, arid an attractive garden lay-out.