Shielded Site

2022-06-15 22:38:03 By : shen qinmei

Modernist architect Vladimir Cacala, who came from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand in 1952, designed some of this country’s most sought-after Mid-century homes.

They have endured as wonderful examples of international Modernism – whenever a Vladimir Cacala house comes up for sale, you are assured throngs of architecture aficionados will be first through the door.

Cacala, who trained under Bauhaus mentors in Prague, designed large, long houses that were the antithesis of the gabled forms more commonly seen at that time. His homes were frequently built on sloping sites, with the living area on the upper level, with huge glass doors opening up to a long balcony.

The owners of the Kay House, built in 1960 at the lower end of Victoria Avenue in Remuera, Auckland, have effectively turned their Vladimir Cacala house into an art gallery. The Modernist design and white walls create a perfect backdrop to an array of modern art and some Mid-century furniture pieces.

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One of the owners admits it has been one of the reasons the house attracted them nine years ago, along with the architectural history and location.

“We love Mid-century architecture, and we love the light-filled spaces, with their big floor-to-ceiling windows,” she says. “There’s a great flow through the house and out onto the decks, which is great for socialising. There is sun all day. It’s the lightest, warmest house I’ve ever lived in.”

As with many Cacala houses, this four-bedroom home, which sits on 607 square metres, has a large foyer (entry is on the upper level) where art is first introduced. This leads to a large living area opening to a long balcony. Two large bedrooms also open to the balcony.

But there’s also a second, much larger deck off the family living area and kitchen at one side. A few wide steps lead down to a putting green.

On the lower level, there is a third living room opening directly to a terrace, plus two further bedrooms and the pièce de résistance, a 12m pool.

“It has been fantastic with teenagers,” the owner says. “They have been able to have their own space downstairs and their own bathroom and shower, and not impact on us. The living room downstairs opens straight out to the pool – it is compliant.”

The proximity to a beach a few houses away was another drawcard – the owners fondly call the house their “Remuera beach house”. “We have spent lots of time down there with the kids, the paddle boards and kayaks, and my wee dog.”

But now the owners wish to downsize. “We spent more time over lockdown at our place up north. It’s time to downsize and go and play more golf.”

The property was originally built for the parents of former Auckland mayor Colin Kay.

It has been listed by Rawdon Christie and Steve Hood of Barfoot & Thompson Remuera. It will be auctioned on July 6, 2022.