For lovers of great design, especially those who revere Claude Megson’s work, the chance to own the celebrated Norris House in Remuera has arrived.
Built in 1975, the Norris House was one of architect Claude Megson’s (1936-94) favourites. It won the New Zealand Institute of Architects National Award in 1978 and the award for Enduring Architecture in 2005.
“It’s a modern house and timeless even though it’s now 50 years old and we love it,” says homeowner and retired architect Neil Cotton.
Sixteen years ago Neil and his wife Jenny were planning to build their own home when the Norris House came up for sale in 2009.
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“I knew the house quite well but didn’t think I’d ever have the opportunity to live in it so when we managed to get it we were very happy about that. It’s such an interesting house to live in. It’s not boring,” says Neil.
What they love most about it is the three-dimensional nature of the internal spaces which have been described (by the Auckland Architecture Association) as “offering poetry of light and space”.
“Its spatial qualities are unique from the three-dimensional manipulation of the space internally,” says Neil. “Externally it also looks fantastic – from the street or from any direction. He was a very creative architect.”
Megson’s design extended to the garden, overlaying the entire site with a pattern, including the various courtyards which complement its strong architectural lines. The backyard is completely enclosed making it a sheltered and safe space for children to play or family pets to enjoy.
The private courtyard also has an outdoor table and barbecue area which is well used during summer and gets the afternoon sun. The home’s north-western aspect also means it gets morning sun in the front yard.
Built in 1975, Norris House was one of architect Claude Megson’s favourites. Photo / Supplied
The vendors have loved the three-dimensional nature of the internal spaces, which the Auckland Architecture Association described as “offering poetry of light and space”. Photo / Supplied
“Indoor-outdoor design was always critical to Megson so the way all the rooms open out to the outside is a special feature,” says Neil.
Megson was one of Neil’s tutors at university in the 1970s, and he readily admits to being a fan. He’s even redrawn the original hand-drafted plans and commissioned a custom rug for the living area.
Viewed from the mezzanine master bedroom, the rug – seen through a glass table – mirrors the home’s precise floor plan.
“This house is probably one of his best. It’s an exceptional house,” he says.
The four-bedroom home is light-filled and features beautiful Oregon timber ceilings and exposed rafters, and glazed roofs. The previous owner, interior designer Nikki Broome, upgraded the kitchen and bathrooms and installed oak flooring throughout the house which is offset nicely by the home’s concrete block plastered walls and steel joinery.
“This house is probably one of his best. It’s an exceptional house,” says homeowner and retired architect Neil Cotton. Photo / Supplied
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has garaging and multiple living areas on a 736sqm section. Photo / Supplied
Improvements made by Neil and Jenny include re-roofing over thick insulation, and installing three heat pumps and a gas fire in the sunroom/TV family room. There is also an original open wood fire in the living room.
Jenny also uses the family room as an office and Neil’s office is in what he believes was originally a baby’s bedroom.
The home is zoned for Victoria Avenue School and both Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls’ Grammar, and is a short stroll to the Walton Street shops. Now downsizing, the couple have loved both living and entertaining in the Norris House, which offers a balance of formal and informal spaces.
Gary Wallace, from Bayleys, says it’s a rare opportunity to secure one of Megson’s most admired homes. “It’s like buying a work of art and then living in it.”
- 20 Walton Street in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale, set date closing November 5
