ARCHITECT’S DOMAIN
If you’re sick of suffering through Auckland’s morning commute, this beautifully designed character-filled home that doubles as an office space could be the answer.
From the outside, 5 Islington Street in Ponsonby, Auckland City, is obviously a special building. Built in 1913, the building began life as a vibrant community hall that brought the people of Ponsonby together. In the mid-1900s, it transitioned into the Royal Buffalo Hall where more fables grew.
“There’s an allure about this building that we could feel when we first stepped inside,” says owner David Ponting.
“We wanted to amplify that quality by creating a space that recognised the heritage elements of both the hall and the area we’re in, while infusing a contemporary layer that brings a personal touch to the property.”
Behind the large double doors that open onto the street is a working studio that’s home to David’s architecture practice, Ponting Fitzgerald Architects. It should come as no surprise then, that David and his team designed the renovation of the hall.
“This is our creative home. It’s very much a commercial space but it’s full of art, inspiration and a passionate team that treasures it. We’ve brought new life into the building, but the building inspires us too.”
During the day, David works with his team on innovative, award-winning architecture. When it’s time to head home for dinner, he steps out into the Europeaninspired courtyard … and straight back into his lounge.
The original hall has been reworked into a modern commercial environment, while the home’s ground floor entry, kitchen, dining and living area open to the courtyard space. Upstairs, four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large laundry with drying deck span the full length of the hall – and some.
While the commercial space is a creative zone, the ethos of the home revolves around connecting the people who live there – David, his wife Atlanta, and kids Ted and Margot – with the environment.
“We wanted to flood the building with light, so we installed enormous skylights over the kitchen and dining spaces. Beautiful, dappled light flows through this space all day. It feels like we’re outside, yet surrounded by special interior elements that bring us joy.”
“This is our creative home. It’s very much a commercial space but it’s full of art, inspiration and a passionate team that treasures it.”
Ray White agents Scott and Chloe Wither say 5 Islington Street is a one-ofa-kind offering.
“Every so often we have the privilege of marketing a piece of Ponsonby history, but we’ve now had this opportunity twice,” Scott says.
“We sold the Hall to David and Atlanta three years ago, and to see their creative vision come to life is nothing short of remarkable. Given the property’s location, heritage and business overlay, this is an opportunity unlikely to be recreated.”
David adores this place and the life he’s poured into it, but it’s no longer suitable for his family.
“I love having both family and my creative world within arms’ reach. Being so close means I can easily do the school run and am home for dinner every night, even when I have to work late. However, my needs can’t override the kids’ desire for more space and that’s why we’re selling.
“What we’ve done to this place is exciting and we’re very proud of it, but our kids come first and they’re still little so they just want a backyard to kick balls around and beach nearby.”
While it’s time for the family to move on, David would happily stay on in the studio.
“Our best-case scenario would be to sell up but continue to operate as a commercial entity out of the studio. It all depends on what the buyer wants though, so we’ll have to wait and see!”