NEW BUILDINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 691, 29 May 1885, Page 16

NEW BUILDINGS.

THE NATIONAE MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION’S NEW PREMISES. Within the last few years many magnificent additions have been made to Wellington s architectural beauties ; and the fine brick pile now bemg erected under the supervision of Mr Thomas Turnbull, F.R.1.8.A., will certainly be, not only one of the handsomest structures in the city, but. one or the best in the entire Colony. This building is being erected by Messrs Barry and McDowell, and it was planned by _ Mr Turnbull, to whom the design doeß infinite credit. To the outer view the new structure (which is a free treatment of the Italian Renaissance) presents a handsome and impospg appearance. Standing upon the site wnere ior many years “ Noah’s Ark ” lay high and dry, and occupying a space of 89ft jx. 66 ft, it has two frontageß one to

Customhouse-quay, and the other to Hun-ter-street. The former is divided into seven bays, and the latter into five. Each of these has in every respect the same detail. These bays on the ground-floor are divided with broad rustic moulded pilasters, having composite capitals, with enriched wreaths springing from the eyes of the volutes. The openings in the first story have circular heads, with enriched imposts and key blocks. Between this and the second story is a very handsome entablature, having balusters in the die under the openings ; those in the centre projecting from the building to emphasize the entrance, and producing a very good effect. The windows in the second Btory have square heads, and are dressed with moulded architraves, pilasters, and pediments ; and, to give variety, these are alternately round and pointed. The centre windows in each elevation have side lights, the mullions being formed with three-quarter composite columns. In the pediment over each of these centre windows is a grotesque face, with floral enrichment, These faces exhibit in great variety a most lugubrious general effect, as though their emulation of Atlas caused a pressure upon their heads which they were very loth to bear. The bays in the second story are divided with pilasters, the lower sections fluted, and (the band moulded, having guilloche with leaves above. The capitals, which are composite, ?tave most elaborate detail. The third story bays are divided by moulded pilasters, the centre bays in’ each street having three circular-headed windows, while the others have two. They are dressed with pilasters, having moulded imposts, architraves, and enriched key blocks. The main cornice entablature bears the name of the Association in the frieze in raised block letters. The cornice is enriched with dentils and modillions, and is surmounted by a handsome balustrade. There are dies over the pilasters, and on them are what answer for chimney stacks, which add not a little to the general effect and beauty of the building. The interior of the premises, though it does not, of course, present such a magnificent appearance, is in entire accord with the exterior ; for the offices are handsomely finished, spacious, well lighted and ventilated, and comfortable. The main entrance in Customhouse-quay is to be approached by blue stone steps ; and the door is large and finely ornamented. The vestibule inside is Bft x 14ft, and it extends out into a capacious hall 40ft deep by 14ft wide, the floor of which is to be paved with Minton tiles. Thus the first glimpse inside the building gives the visitor an idea of the elegant finish of the interior. To the right of the main entrance is the suite of offices to be used by the Company. The first of these is the manager’s room, beyond which is the board room, both facing the quay. At the rear of these offices is the general office, which will be fitted with a handsome cedar counter, supported by figure trusses. This office is 33 x 30, and will be one of the largest and most completely fitted of its class' in the Gity. Further back are the strong-room, storeroom, and accountant’s room. All these offices are to be fitted with French polished cedar. To the left of the hall is a suite of offices exactly similar to those just described, fitted throughout with kauri. Leaving the ground floor a broad kauri staircase, with cedar handrail and cast-metal banisters, ascends to the .second story, ending in a spacious platform. The offices on this, as those of the third floor, have been built specially to be let, and they vary in size from 24 x 20 to 18 x 13. On the third story the offices are arranged in exactly the same manner. These rooms have been most artistically designed in respect to light aDd ventilation, and there should be little difficulty in' obtaining tenants for them. Every convenience has been thought of. There ' are six gas meters on each floor, and on the whole premises four fire-proof strong-rooms. The staircases throughout are supported by cast metal pillars, which, rising from the ground floor, help to set off the ap pearance of the interior. Beneath the first floor are three commodious cellars, the floors of which are to be concrete. Two of these are each 54ft x 33ft, and that in the centre, running from end to end, is to be used as a coal cellar. There are, of course, passages, &c., here. The interior of the building being as yet in a very unfinished condition, it is impossible to give any description of the fittings, &c. ; but these are all to be of the best kauri, with the exception of the Company’s suite of offices, which are to be fitted with cedar. All through the various offices mouldings, cornices, and other elegant appurtenances have yet to be' added. All of the rooms are wainscotted about 4ft high with kauri, and the plastering is being done by Messrs Burton and Platt, who are executing their work in a most creditable manner.

Altogether, Wellington may be congratulated upon the addition its architecture will receive in this building. It has been for many years a standing reproach against thi3 city that we have no good buildings, but two or three of this class would very soon obviate any cause for such an insinuation, for many visitors who have inspected this building have expressed opinions that it is the most handsomely designed one to be seen in the Colony. Credit is due in the first instance to the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia which has exhibited such enterprise, and no less is Mr Turnbull, the designer and architect of the premises, to be congratulated. It is expected that the building will be completed some time in August.