Impeccable craftsmanship, natural light and serenity are the hallmarks of this extraordinary home, designed and built in 1972 by its owner/architect Russell Withers – Stanish & Withers.
The romantic vision of ruin, ‘The Withers House’ stands as a testament to democratic architecture, a humility of career, a counter-culture in design and a materiality cleverness.
‘The Withers House' is an aesthetically seminal structure. Rejecting the villa typology, but still signalling to it through the bull nosing of the roof line the dwelling is insouciance to the perceived building style of the times.
Fluid curved forms, generous proportions and an ever-changing interplay between light and space combine to create a warm and practical environment featuring detailed brickwork, bespoke lead-light windows, cedar, redwood and native timbers. Withers owes much credit to his brick masons for their exceptional work on Arthur Street. Russell, interested in architectural tectonics, pursued a fascination with curves and corbelling of the brickwork, something you just don’t see in buildings today.
11 Arthur Street transcends the conventional. It is a celebration of diversity, permanence and intentional living, breaking away from the traditional confines of its neighbours. A true rarity, this residence has been preserved in near-original form, providing a private oasis yet so close to Ponsonby Road.
Described as ’a living piece of art’ the building continues to inspire both architects and individuals alike.
TO BE AUCTIONED Saturday 9 March 2024
Sale details rwepsom.co.nz/EPS32364
More details about the Withers House www.thewithershouse.com
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Published: March 2024