International Style flatters Berhampore
An photo shows the start of construction on Berhampore’s Centennial Flats in May 1939, with the Berhampore Tennis Club and neighbouring houses behind. BERHAMPORE’S Centennial Flats helped usher in a penchant for the International Style of architecture when the sprawling Adelaide Rd state housing complex was built during 1938 and 1939 by the first Labour Government.
The Evening Post reported in May 1939 that the modernist complex, when completed, would be the ‘‘largest building of its kind in New Zealand, containing 50 separate flats and 11 garages’’.
The flats were some of New Zealand’s first examples of the International Style of architecture, which emerged during the 1920s and became popular in post-war house construction.
Renowned New Zealand architect Gordon Wilson designed the complex – also known as the Berhampore State Flats – incorporating straight-lined forms, open interior spaces, and spare ornamental style.
It was the second lot of state housing to be completed – two years after a handful of state houses were opened in Miramar.
In 1943, The Evening Post covered the completion of a 116-unit, 10-storey block of flats at Dixon St in downtown Wellington. It noted the inner-city units had trumped their modernist predecessor in the southern suburbs.
‘‘The Berhampore flats were the department’s [of Housing and Construction] first big venture in this form of housing but the Dixon St flats surpass them both in style, architectural features, and also in regard to the number of single dwelling units they provide.’’
Last month, The Dominion Post reported the Berhampore flats’ circular hall was to be refurbished as a communal area, as was originally intended. The community had used the hall until the 1980s, when it was converted into a three-bedroom flat.
Construction on the new hall could be completed as early as February next year.
Housing NZ stakeholder relationship manager Renee Martin said the hall would be available for a range of planned activities.
‘‘It could be used as a meeting space, a mobile library, advisory and health services, exercise classes, cooking classes and for adult education purposes.’’ GET THE BOOK The Dominion Post – 150 Years of News is available via dompost.co.nz or 0800 50 50 90. Priced at $34.95 + $3 postage and handling or $29.95 + $3 p&h for subscribers.