2016 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards Winner
Arcus House 1965
Some 50 years after construction, this delightful house is still occupied by its original owners - surely the greatest acclamation of an architect's skill. Although the original provision was modest by current standards, the house has been sensitively extended over the intervening years by Barry Rae (the former business partner of Dick Mercer) and, more recently, by Edwards White Architects. Thanks to the sympathetic nature of the alterations, the design intent of architect Dick Mercer is still clearly evident in the structure. Extensive use of rimu plywood wall linings, timber window and door joinery, together with exposed timber rafters of the skillion gabled roof, achieve a particularly special and warm character throughout the house. The presentation of the current house is, accordingly, a remarkable testament to excellent design and detailing that has enduring value.
