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]

BOOK LAUNCH: 'Claude Megson: Architect'

Wow! Hot on the heels of Giles Reid and Jackie Meiering's earlier book on five of Claude Megson's wonderful houses, they're back with a new book covering 33 of his projects! Including competition entries and what looks like one or two unbuilt projects, and several other bits and pieces.

Exciting!

Did I say "hot on the heels"? Sure, it's been ten years, but in the architectural world (as we know!) that's just a blink in time. (And works on any local architect are as rare as a benevolent building inspector.)  Giles and Jackie have taken the time with this one, and it shows.

I've only had a glimpse -- and you can too -- but it looks to be the definitive work on Claude's oeuvre. One he's long deserved.

Claude Megson Architect examines the arc of Megson’s career, bringing together new photography and 150+ of his remarkable drawings. It both celebrates and illuminates his work, at a time when his legacy is being newly appreciated.

Published by Massey University Press, due April 2026.

424 pages, containing two extended essays and featuring 33 buildings and projects, with surviving buildings photographed by Jackie Meiring. The book represents the culmination of a decade long search to document Megson’s surviving work.

It's telling, I think, that so many other architects like to live in Claude's houses above and beyond even living in their own: there is always something to learn from the way he brought a house together, and the rich meaning he gave every space. It never gets old. There is plenty to learn and about which to be delighted -- and inspired.

The book is being launched:

Thursday 9 April 2026, 6pm

Tim Melville Gallery

4 Winchester Street, Newton, Auckland

If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

You can pre-order a copy here at the publisher's website.

Get into it!