A call from their agent the day after their wedding presented Kath and Hamish Gawith with 14 Archdall Road in Meadowbank, Auckland.
“It fitted our brief, and from the outset it was clear that the property had amazing potential given the north-facing aspect and mid-century bones,” says Hamish.
That home is now on the market, listed for auction on July 13 by real estate agents Simon Siddells and Thomas Farmer of Ray White Remuera. According to OneRoof data, 14 Archdall Road in Meadowbank last changed hands in 2013 for $850,000, and now has a ratings valuation of $2.325 million.
The home, as it was then, was certainly a product of its time. Post-war architects attempted to lure residents outdoors and engage with nature, subsequently, large windows, and rooms with outdoor views and multiple access points were features of the 1970s home, 14 Archdall Street is no exception.
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Expanses of glass, flat planes, and open floor plans were the hallmarks of mid-century homes – features the couple were determined to preserve, dropping the not-so-appealing aspects of the home along the way.
“We wanted to use repetition to create a simple, modern look using square tiles, cork flooring and built-in Plytech cabinetry, replacing the 1970s Formica. We enhanced the sleek lines and gave the house more appeal from the street, which meant relocating the entrance to the front of the house,” Kath says.
The owners enlisted the help of architect Sam Atcheson from DAA to modernise their 1970s Meadowbank home. Photo / Supplied
The newlyweds enlisted the help of architect Sam Atcheson from DAA, highlighting, “We loved their work in Ebisu and Tyler Street Garage. The aim was to create a modern aesthetic, while being sympathetic to the original early 1970s style.”
Having spent a winter in the home before the renovation, the Gawiths concluded that efficient heating was essential. The couple replaced the existing oil central heating with gas heated water radiators, internal walls were stripped and lined to improve thermal efficiency, and almost all of the windows and sliders were replaced with double glazed joinery.
The home’s design is separated into two living and bedroom wings, centred around an exterior courtyard. Four bedrooms, multiple living areas, two bathrooms and an effortlessly sleek kitchen have accommodated the family well.
“It’s been such a light-filled, warm and nurturing home for our two girls. The orientation and layout made it very easy to keep an eye on the kids when they were younger,” says Kath.
14 Archdall Street has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage, and an RV of $2.325m. Photo / Supplied
The Meadowbank home is filled with light and warm, with an easy-care section and low maintenance garden. Photo / Supplied
The finished result is one the couple are enormously proud of, and for good reason. It’s remained true to its mid-century charm, while being brought into this century with modern conveniences and much needed extra room.
“The connection of spaces that has been created in the house, with its U-shape layout keeps you connected to the action,” Kath says.
“We love being able to open the living areas to the outdoors in summer and then close it down and enjoy the passive solar gains in winter. It is a flat, easy-care section with a lush low maintenance garden.”
So far the property has garnered a lot of interest; “We’ve had a busy week of viewings, it’s such a cool property, with wide appeal for all ages,” says agent Siddells.
