Chris Lawrence, the owner of this distinctive property in St Heliers, situated on an elevated 687sqm triangular section – just moments from shops and cafes and a short walk from the beach, had some very clear ideas in mind when he commissioned Matt Fitzgerald at Ponting Fitzgerald Architects to work with him on the unique circular design.
This was Chris’ dream property, which he’d been thinking about for years, so every aspect had to be perfect and absolutely no expense was spared, according to his daughters, Betsy and Emma. Construction, by Cammell Projects, was completed in 2017.
“Our father was very delighted with the result. The concrete structure defies architectural standards with its nautilus shell-like shape, and it draws you in – enveloping you in the intimate, blended living spaces,” Emma says.
“He had a clear design vision – moving away from traditional features like architraves and skirtings to achieve a look cleverly centred around a central cedar core.”
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His daughters explain that this thoughtful approach extended throughout the home, with walls finished in textured, tiled or panelled surfaces – an alternative to standard flat finishes.
Everyday functions are neatly tucked away behind custom joinery and concealed doors, maintaining a calm and uncluttered feel throughout.
On the ground floor lie two bedrooms, one of which opens to a private deck. They share the family bathroom with its soft teal, brick tiles evoking the gentle hues of the nearby sea.
The circular oak staircase leads from the large, open-plan living room to the top floor. Photo / Supplied
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom nautilus shell-like home sits on a compact 688sqm section and was designed by Matt Fitzgerald, of Ponting Fitzgerald Architects. Photo / Supplied
The large, open-plan living and media room, with adjacent dining space, opens onto the expansive patio, which overlooks the lush, leafy, subtropical garden, lovingly designed by Chris, who spent much of his working life in the nursery business.
A circular oak staircase leads to the top floor, where the master suite includes a second crisp, cool bathroom, plus a walk-in wardrobe and – of course, the big, bright bedroom, which enjoys sensational maritime vistas.
“He was definitely a true minimalist,” says Emma, an interior designer, who helped her father select smart, streamlined furniture, which blends in seamlessly with its stylish surroundings.
She and Betsy believe the home’s beauty and architectural appeal can be credited to the close collaboration between the designer and their father, Chris.
The master suite enjoys sensational maritime vistas. Photo / Supplied
The home was built by Cammell Projects and completed in 2017. “Our father was very delighted with the result,” says one of the homeowner’s daughters. Photo / Supplied
“The home we created together, I think truly captures his playful, sensitive, and ethereal spirit,” says Matt Fitzgerald, recalling the process.
Aaron Foss, from Barfoot & Thompson, says that as a local he was personally curious as to what lay behind the fully fenced property at 7 Dingle Road, with its electric security gates.
“And it turns out to be an absolute masterpiece; safe and calm, with lovely features all throughout. I really like the clever use of shiplap panelling and cedar wallboards.”
He believes the property is especially well-suited to young professionals – or to older downsizers who will appreciate the lift, which smoothly links the two levels together.
“This is a brilliant coastal retreat with uninterrupted panoramic harbour views, and it’s zoned for St Heliers and St Ignatius schools.”
7 Dingle Road in St Heliers, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 21.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
