Famously among Tāmaki Makaurau’s trendiest and most sought-after suburbs, Ponsonby was also just as famously one of the city’s early slums, and once known as Dedwood. Herne Bay, however, named after a classy coastal resort in England, has long attracted the professional and commuter classes, its seaside setting not only affording spectacular views, but fast and easy access for early European settlers into the city centre by boat.
This led to the construction of a plethora of stunning homes that backed right on to the sea with their own jetties and boat ramps. Many of the houses, known as ‘marine villas’ are still there – so it’s no surprise that the suburb became the country’s first to boast a $2 million median house value. The Sultan of Brunei even once owned 11 properties there!
There are so many beautiful old homes in the area being historically restored with sensitive modernisation, I’m just hopeful the new planning rules don’t jeopardise too much of that character.”
Frances Young, principal at Ponting Fitzgerald Architects, knows the two suburbs intimately having worked with the Ponsonby-based firm for 15 years. Not to mention that she lived in a staggering 12 houses in Herne Bay before she turned six years old!
From the age of six until 18, Frances lived at Sentinel Point, and attended Ponsonby Kindergarten, Ponsonby Primary and Intermediate Schools, and later flatted in Brown Street (“half a block from our old office opposite SPQR, so that was lots of fun!”) before moving to St Mary’s Bay.
Frances absorbed the principles of design from her mum, who created the legendary children’s clothing store on Jervois Road, KAF Kids. But first things first, why so many moves as a child?
“Mum just kept finding better houses!” recalls Frances with a chuckle. “I was born at home, in Hamilton Road.”
Two years later my parents sold that house and rented, obviously moving quite a bit around Herne Bay. I loved getting a new room and changing things around, which contributed to me wanting to become an architect.”
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed in the area?
“I remember Lawrence Street being a lot steeper when I was a little girl! But, in all seriousness, sometimes a lack of change is quite nice. There are so many beautiful old homes in the area being historically restored with sensitive modernisation, I’m just hopeful the new planning rules don’t jeopardise too much of that character.”
You’ve designed some of the homes in the area, are there any cool upcoming projects you can share?
“We have an exciting waterfront project on the point at Cox’s Bay. Leading the process has been extremely enjoyable and the collaborative approach we take makes for a really personal result. The clients are very cool and willing to do some crazy stuff so I can’t wait to see it completed later this year.
“I’m also involved on a mid-century-inspired new home between Clifton Road and Mason’s Avenue in a unique urban sanctuary. It’s a magical site, surrounded by trees and full of birdlife so the result will be pretty special.
“Our TEN TWENTY ONE project in Hukanui Crescent has also been fun as the developer has bold instincts and wants to create a project to be proud of. As the street facade looks south, we’ve been able to get expressive with the concrete and red-brick forms for a truly sculptural response.
“The rear terraces will also look over Cox’s Creek where I have a challenging memory from age four, being taken across a tiny concrete bridge by my older brother. I’d never been so scared but recognise my resilience was built through those defining moments.”
Presumably these projects mean even more to you having grown up in the area?
“Absolutely. I’ll be going to site meetings and have random memories like where I buried my pet fish or first learned to ride a bike in Marine Parade.”
Any favourite old stomping grounds?
“We lived at Sentinel Point through most of my childhood, so back then you’d usually find me at the point, or the beaches either side. As a kid I spent a lot of time around that cave on the cliff or riding my bike around the neighbourhood – with my pet mouse in my hair, literally! I also loved Point Erin pools and have recently started taking my kids back to some of these special places. As our new studio is just off Jervois Road, I find memories keep popping up, especially the friends I made and the many backyards that were my playground.”
