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New Zealand Houses – The Art Deco

Posted on November 21, 2008 by swiggs

In the previous posts I have spoken about The Villa and The Bungalow. Now we move onto the Art Deco (1920’s – 1940’s). This style of home originated in Europe in the early years of the 20th Century. It became widely known following the great Exposition des Arts Modernes Decoratifs et Industriels, held in Paris in 1925 and from which its name was ultimately derived. By the late 1930s it was in its streamlined phase and after World War 2, the International Style, devoid of all decoration, held sway. Many of them built for war people these homes are both built strong and built to last.

People built these homes to express themselves in one way or another. They have great artistic flares and a presence about them that no other home has.

Good Points:

· Mostly Rough-cast over native timber framing; well braced with solid diagonal. If over time the studs do rot the sarking will hold the house together.

· Usually coated with 4 coats of plaster for strength, so are very strong.

· Well detailed flashings and eyebrows over the windows.

· Flat roofs, but used full length industrial profile iron with good flashings, they are virtually leak proof if maintained well.

· Solid concrete foundations.

The Not so Good Points:

· Design not necessarily suitable for modern lifestyles.

· Exits are not well designed for having too many people over.

· Bathrooms are generally small.

Art Deco homes to me are one of the more character homes of New Zealand. There are areas close to where I live that have whole streets of these homes on them and these homes can be painted in very extravagant and bright colours and get away with it. They form a great part in any community and there are some people that really love them.

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7 thoughts on “New Zealand Houses – The Art Deco”

  1. Steve Taylor says:
    November 21, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    We have these in Christchurch and they are normally just an individual building that is normally looking a bit shabby.
    You feel it is well loved, but the home owner cannot afford to maintain it.

  2. Deon Swiggs says:
    November 21, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    I will soon get to experience these homes in christchurch. I like them. They are very out there and I hear what your saying about maintenance

  3. Sharon James, AREINZ Business Broker says:
    November 21, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    Deon, I love the video, well done. Everytime I visit your blog you have introduced a new and innovative marketing idea. Your vendors must be feeling pretty confident about your ability to market their homes.

  4. Deon Swiggs says:
    November 21, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    I’ll show you how to make it. Thanks for the comment sharon.

  5. molly giggs says:
    November 22, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    Deon, i’m pretty sure the loud deco colours – pink, lavendar, mint and turquoise originated in Florida beause it’s known as Miami Deco. I think they probably went for brighter colours there because the houses were set against a backdrop of bright blue skies, golden sun and beaches. I learned recently how highly regarded Napier’s architecture is – London’s considered the best, Maimi second and Napier 3rd – cool eh? I can’t wait until you do mid century modern, Eichler is my most favourite architect of all! Nice to read a blog from an agent that isn’t just about buying or selling.

  6. Deon Swiggs says:
    November 22, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    Molly Thanks heaps for your comments. Art Deco is an interesting one. When I first saw them I always thought of Mexico. And could imagine a few cacti and other thorny trees around them.
    I will do a little more research on the origon of the colours etc. But just to make a mention the Auckland Civic Theater is considered and Art Deco. A lovely building that is.
    I have about 6 more types of property to talk about so I am going to be a busy boy. Watch out for them
    Regards
    Deon

  7. James Gillian says:
    November 22, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    These properties are so nice. We are looking for one now. The only problem with them is that the living spaces in most of them are small. Thanks for the insight.

Comments are closed.

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