Megson's middle Mrkusich townhouse on the market

 

The middle unit of what were known as the Mrkusich towhnhouses is for sale, and we have another chance to explore its interior.

Just 68square metres -- and while the agents' fish-eye lenses do make spaces appear larger than they are, it's entirely Megson's skill that allows that to happen in reality. The whole place is permeable, front to back; negative detailing (a Megson trade mark) allows walls to read as screens rather than enclosures; space opens up on corners, removing the sense of enclosure; view shafts regularly open up the space, even from the kitchen...

And the one-bedroom place sits high enough above the road to give almost complete privacy.

The unit was last on the market ten years ago, when it looked like this. Fortunately the simple beauty inside still remains. Compare the 2016 sitting area with today's:

Since it's mostly unchanged from then, I'll just repeat what I said then about the unit and its mostly-original interior:

This is one of those very small places that genius makes appear large ... simple things like viewshafts front to back, borrowed scenery, full-height French doors, exposed rafters, subtle changes in level and height, cunningly-placed storage, all-day sun through the lantern over the central dining space, overlapping and nested spaces etc. All very thoughtfully done, and very effective indeed at turning a small jewel into what feels like a large-souled space.

Megson used to talk about a house being something you would sometimes want to wrap around yourself like a cloak, and other times just disappear. This small place fits the bill.

Previous architect-owners Elspeth and Jimmy Gray explain that

"Claude Megson was very good at small spaces and centreing them around courtyards; following your daily rituals of getting up in the morning and going to bed at night.

"This house has been planned around those rituals, with a morning courtyard to the rear facing east and the deck in front where you can drink wine in the sun in the evening."

With one bedroom, it was smaller than any home they’d envisaged owning. But they liked the way spaces interconnect.

"Everywhere we look at green space. So much light pours in. Even on a grey day, it’s light.

“It’s a small house but it creates interesting spaces. Living small has become a lot more interesting.”

And here's how agent Melissa Taylor describes it:

Designed by acclaimed New Zealand architect Claude Megson and built in 1969, this extraordinary one-bedroom townhouse is a rare example of his progressive approach to architecture, where intricate spaces, natural light and the surrounding landscape come together with remarkable effect.

Elevated in a no-exit street in the heart of Remuera's northern slopes, the home has an unmistakable architectural identity. Exposed concrete block and rough-sawn timber ceilings create an industrial aesthetic that is both bold and beautifully restrained.

At its heart, a dramatic double-height light well rises through the home, flooding the interior with natural light. Open-plan living and dining, warmed by timber floors, flow to a large terrace creating an inviting extension of the living space. The galley kitchen opens to a sun-filled courtyard and easy-care garden. Every element reflects Megson's clever use of space and connection between indoors and out.

Complete with a single carport, this is an exceptional city retreat for buyers who appreciate authentic architecture and distinctive design.

NB: If you’re keen to experience it properly, in the flesh,, there are Open Homes this Saturday and Sunday avo. Auction is on 4 November.

The townhouses in the 1980s, after forgoing some maintenance

Pics from Bayley's. Mrkusich Townhouses Plan and Elevations from Claude Megson Collection. CM89 Architecture Archive. University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services, via Remuera Heritage.

INTERVIEW: "Celebrating the work of New Zealand architect, Claude Megson"

Great to see so many at the launch last week of Giles Reid's and Jackie Meiring's book on Claude Megson -- it was literally standing room only! (I could see a big hole in Unity Books' pile of copies as I left, which also augurs well.)

And really gratifying to see and talk to so many happy Megson home owners there. The appreciation for Megson's work is clearly undiminished.

If you didn't catch it, Giles was interviewed on RNZ by Kathryn Ryan this morning. Check out the interview here...

1/14a MacMurray Rd, Remuera: Germann Townhouses

Claude Megson's three townhouses in MacMurray Rd, Remuera (above), were known as the Germann Townhouses, after the developer.

Architect/author Giles Reid goes into these townhouses in his forthcoming book. "I've always thought it an important work," he says,"that sits somewhat below the radar. In some ways they are a precursor to the Cocker Townhouses in Wood Street."

And 1/14a is now on the market, after being with the current owners for nearly two decades -- and still largely original!  [NB: 1/14a is at the bottom of the page in these three drawings.]

Using the garden wall for privacy, even on this small site and with a smallish footprint, the integration of house and landscape is quietly ingenious.

The home is only two beds with a small study cum nursery. I was asked a few years back to propose adding on to create a full third bed and proper study -- which, probably wisely, was not taken up. A flower this delicate is very easy to bruise.

HERE ARE MORE PICS FROM THE REAL ESTATE SITE

Click on pics to enlarge...

 

[Pics from Megson Archives at the Auckland University library, and Steve Koerber/Bayley's]