Known as Wing of Light, 2 Hukanui Crescent in Ponsonby was designed in the 1980s, by architect Graham Lane – known for his passion for creating a continuum, where the same materials are used on the exterior as well as inside.
The client was a glass artist looking for something unique and a little outside the norm.
The architect and the owner worked closely together to come up with a comfortable home, wherein lines are simple and streamlined, and spaces flow into one another seamlessly. The site was a little unusual to start with.
Although Ponsonby is busy and bustling, this property has an almost rural feel in its surroundings, which include Kelmana Gardens, and Bayfield Reserve, beyond which is Coxs Bay and Meola Reef.
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Current owner, Lyndy bought the house in 1998 for herself and two small children, Fred and Ali.
She’d been aware of the property, and oddly had even had a Goldilocks moment and found herself walking right up to the door and stepping inside one day when out walking his son in his pram, a few years previously. “Then I realised I was trespassing and ran back down to the street!”
After living in the house for six years, in 2005, she embarked on a major renovation in collaboration with a talented young architect, Jessamine Fraser. The changes included turning the garage into a bedroom, and Lyndy says that the materials used were simple and inexpensive but very effective, including bamboo floorboards, which are warm and noise-reducing.
The house is long and narrow, yet exudes a tremendous sense of airy, bright space once inside the front door, which opens to a friendly welcoming hallway, opened up by architect Jessamine, who also came up with the striking shelves with their colourful Perspex panels.
On the ground floor a generous dining and family room which enjoys not one, but three doors to the extensive wraparound decking outside.
The cheerful, galley style kitchen, is very practical as well as attractive, and this floor also includes a bathroom, along with a bedroom, which could be used as a home office or even a media room if a new owner chooses to. This room enjoys access to its own private deck for morning coffees or an evening glass of wine. Upstairs are three further bedrooms including the master, with its fabulous views and all have built-in wardrobes. Also on this level is the family bathroom, put in by Lyndy.
She says that amongst many highlights of living there were the animals next door – currently a little horse named Jaffa.
Marc Collins at Barfoot & Thompson, Grey Lynn, says that the house has been built very well. “Marine ply is a really great material.”
He says that while the property is certainly subject to interest from developers due to its favourable zoning, many buyers are simply falling in love with the house and the idea of living a laid-back, bach-like life, yet being close to all the excellent local amenities.
Lyndy points out that the house meets healthy homes standards, and would continue to be a great family home, going forward. “I’m very sad to see it go!”
2 Hukanui Crescent in Ponsonby goes to auction on June 17.
