03 Magazine: March 31, 2023

Feature | Magazine 47
“The only areas we’ve replicated are the landscaping,
where we worked off the original drawings to replicate
some of the courtyard features.”
“For comfort, one of the owners once told me that he
used to get ice forming on the inside of the bathroom in
winter. We’ve insulated, double glazed, and installed central
heating and air conditioning – they are now toasty warm.”
Greg says the most rewarding part of the work is “when
the new occupants tell me how they love living in them”.
Revolutionary for their time and described as providing
a new kind of residential living for the era in terms of their
small size and purpose-built nature, how do they stand
up today?
“At 43m 2 , the Flats are small but perfectly formed,” says
Greg. “They stand up proudly today as a valid reference
point for apartment living, though since they were officially
‘bachelor pads’ the bedrooms and storage are less
than expected.
“The brilliance of Sir Miles’ early designs is difficult to
explain without standing in them – but they really make
your soul sing. The proportion of the spaces, the balance
of materials, and the way natural light is channelled through
the spaces makes these flats truly wonderful. Add to this
north-facing sheltered courtyards, and their vicinity to
Hagley Park, and they really are a joy to live in.
“When I met with Sir Miles to discuss the repairs, he
was surprised at why it was taking so long and costing so
much, as – in his own words – they were so simple to put
together. This surprise is mirrored by many. Twelve years
and a large sum of money were spent restoring such small
simple flats. Their simplicity added so much difficulty, as
there is nowhere to hide.”
View the Dorset Street Flats (architects: F. M. Warren A.N.Z.I.A, 1956–57;
Young Architects, 2021) at this year’s Open Christchurch festival, May 6–7, 2023. openchch.nz