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The Seddon Memorial in Wellington, built 1908-1910, stands tall above the tree tops in honour of the Right Honourable Richard John Seddon (1845-1906), New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister. The design is a reinforced concrete column faced with Coromandel granite, mounted over a concrete crypt, complete with a life size bronze figure at the top, which represents the State in mourning for its dead.
A contemporary approach was taken with the design renovations. Careful attention was given to maintaining the warmth of the original house’s finishing and textural qualities. The house has been “opened up” to the rear yard including adding volume, a sense of space and connection to the outdoors. A large “Disco Dinorinus” kinetic wind sculpture by Phil Price takes centre stage on the rear lawn.
Axial sight lines are introduced through carefully considered strategic openings, and glazing linking various spaces together.
The most recent additions were modified with larger window fenestration and door openings. Architectural form and spatial qualities are further articulated with the addition of plywood and ceiling batten textures.
