The Nice Melancholy (1929–1935) had a deep influence on New Zealand. Exports fell by 45 per cent in simply two years and so, too, did the nationwide revenue. Nonetheless, Waikato was shielded from this hunch by way of the federal government’s dedication to stabilise dairy costs. By the late Nineteen Thirties, Waikato accounted for a 3rd of the nation’s dairy exports and, through the Second World Warfare, the British Ministry of Meals made bulk purchases of dairy merchandise. This allowed Waikato farmers to plan their futures with confidence.
After the struggle, Hamilton skilled a prosperity in contrast to anyplace else in New Zealand. Small structure companies started to flourish: amongst them, Edgecumbe and White. Harold White first marketed his providers as a sole architect in Waikato in 1919. John Edgecumbe joined him in 1920 after relocating to Hamilton from Auckland. Collectively, they’d set up the one most influential structure agency in Waikato. Over time, the apply (referred to right here as E&W) would change its identify to mirror new companions becoming a member of and established companions retiring.
The agency’s monumental success is due partly to Hamilton’s exponential progress after the struggle; this required new industries and infrastructure, creating new shoppers and producing important commissions.
The apply had a number of keyclients that supplied a pipeline of labor lasting a long time: most notably, Hamilton Metropolis Council. Finally, the agency would do nearly all Council work all through the area from its Hamilton workplace; the work included administration buildings, metropolis depots and shops, parks and sportsground services, a theatre, swimming swimming pools and an airport. On the time, Hamilton Metropolis Council’s area coated Tūākau to the north, Taupō to the south, and from the east coast to the west coast in-between.
The agency additionally had a fame for modern design, earned from key tasks corresponding to Bledisloe Corridor (1935) and the dome within the Hamilton Chief Publish Workplace (1940). E&W’s trendy strategy to construction stemmed from the potential of associate George Leigh who held {qualifications} in each engineering and structure.
E&W would turn into so busy that the agency was referred to domestically because the ‘Metropolis Architects’. Its portfolio was impressively broad and demonstrated a exceptional continuity that was distinctive inside New Zealand on the time and opposite to the commentary by Stacpoole and Beaven (1972) that architects belonged to a “weakened post-war occupation”. Confirming its enduring standing because the Metropolis Council’s architects of selection, the agency designed two buildings for it, practically 30 years aside: E&W’s Municipal Chambers Constructing (1932) on Alma Avenue, and White, Leigh and de Lisle’s Municipal Places of work Constructing (1960) in Backyard Place.
Regardless of its output, which accurately formed town, the agency started to lose momentum within the Eighties. An absence of large-scale work, elevated competitors, the stock-market crash of 1987 and the following financial recession all contributed to a decline in E&W’s fortunes. By 1987, the apply was referred to as Smith Pickering Wealleans, and, by 2012, it ceased enterprise altogether, bringing an finish to just about a century in enterprise for what had been a major regional agency that, at its peak, was as massive and succesful as have been the larger practices in New Zealand’s bigger cities.
Firmography
The agency Edgecumbe and White started in 1920, when John Harold Edgecumbe (1886–1963) joined Harold Leonard White (1893–1982) in partnership, over time altering its identify as new companions joined the apply and others retired or moved on. Edgecumbe was articled to outstanding Auckland architect William Holman who, at across the identical time, articled William Henry Gummer. In 1939, George Innes Leigh (1909–1991) joined Edgecumbe and White, which operated as Edgecumbe, White and Leigh from 1946 to 1950. John Edgecumbe would retire in 1948.
Aubrey Frank de Lisle (1919–2004) joined Edgecumbe and White in by 1945, having simply spent a 12 months in Christchurch working for Colin Lamb, and, in 1950, de Lisle grew to become associate, with the apply referred to as White, Leigh and de Lisle from 1950 to 1955. In 1955, engineer Colin Fraser joined the agency, which grew to become referred to as White, Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser from 1955 to 1961.
In 1961, the agency break up into two, when Harold White left to type a brand new apply along with his son Alan, and Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser shaped their very own partnership. In 1964, graduate architects Tom Smith and Adrian Pickering would be a part of Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser, with Smith turning into a associate in 1978. Pickering left to hitch the Ministry of Works, and from 1974 to 1976, labored as a authorities architect in Samoa, returning to the agency in 1978 on account of Smith’s encouragement.
George Leigh retired in 1978 however the agency saved his identify and added Smith, to turn into Leigh, de Lisle, Fraser and Smith.
Aubrey de Lisle retired from apply in 1985, and Colin Fraser adopted shortly afterwards. Round 1987, Pickering grew to become a associate and, with engineer Ken Wealleans, the agency grew to become Smith Pickering Wealleans Architects and Engineers. In March 2001, Pickering retired from the apply, by which era the agency was Smith Pickering, and it wound up for good in 2012 upon Smith’s retirement.
THE ITINERARY
1. 1925 — Energy Board Constructing
24 Empire Avenue, Cambridge Edgecumbe and White
Within the early days, the agency dealt with all kinds of tasks, overlaying all areas of design. Shoppers such because the Central Waikato Electrical Energy Board and, later, the Bay of Loads Electrical Energy Board supplied a unbroken supply of commissions. Usually, metropolis laws stipulated these business buildings be constructed of everlasting constructing supplies corresponding to concrete and metal. This, mixed with the agency’s favoured use of the Stripped Classical design language, gave these utilitarian buildings a dignified look. Upon the opening of the Energy Board Constructing, the Waikato Unbiased reported “the type of structure is distinctly pleasing to the eye”.
2. 1932 — Hamilton Municipal Chambers
3 Alma Avenue, Hamilton Edgecumbe and White
As one of many few inter-war architectural companies in Hamilton, and one which was infinitely succesful, E&W attracted quite a few civic commissions and, with the Municipal Chambers, started an affiliation with Hamilton Metropolis Council that might final greater than 50 years. The Municipal Chambers’ Stripped Classical type offers method in locations to an Artwork Deco affect on the constructing’s exterior elaborations, corresponding to friezes under the first-floor home windows and the closely embellished parapet with an inverted fan sample. The constructing housed 1XH radio station in addition to recording studios within the Seventies. A further ground has been added (in holding) and, at this time, the constructing continues to be efficiently utilized by numerous companies.
3. 1935 — Bledisloe Corridor
125 Thriller Creek Street, Hamilton Edgecumbe and White
In keeping with J.R. Baird, the design engineer, Bledisloe Corridor was completely arc welded and the primary metal constructing in New Zealand to be erected and not using a single rivet within the framework. He argued that light-weight metal constructions had a greater likelihood of survival in earthquakes — this one survived a twister in 1948. The constructing is a powerful 15 metres excessive and 67 metres lengthy. Initially constructed to host the Waikato Winter Present and different exhibitions, from 1942 to 1947, it was taken over by the New Zealand Air Drive as a restore workshop for planes used within the Pacific Warfare.
4. 1937 — Workplace of the Waikato Hospital Board
6 Sapper Moore-Jones Place, Hamilton Edgecumbe and White
The agency labored as a guide for the Waikato Hospital Board for a few years, and accomplished main tasks in Hamilton, Rotorua and Thames. This workplace constructing is within the metropolis centre however the apply additionally designed various massive buildings on the grounds of Waikato Hospital, together with the Administration Block (1937). The hospital’s fast enlargement because the Nineteen Fifties has seen many E&W buildings demolished to make method for brand spanking new services, so this surviving constructing is all of the extra worthwhile to town’s historical past. At the moment, Waikato Hospital is the biggest single-site hospital facility within the southern hemisphere.
5. 1940 — Hamilton Chief Publish Workplace
346 Victoria Avenue, Hamilton Edgecumbe and White
Hamilton’s new Publish Workplace was designed to be probably the most up-to-date facility within the nation. The constructing supplied not solely submit and telegraph providers but in addition housed banking, welfare and different authorities businesses. Vertical gentle to the central atrium is supplied by a dome on the roof, designed by John Edgecumbe. The dome is 12 metres vast, weighs 93 tonnes and accommodates greater than 1600 glass lenses. When the constructing was refurbished in 2013, the dome needed to be raised eight metres to accommodate the atrium’s new peak. See House and Constructing June 1941.
6. 1947 — Claudelands Substation
Nook Gray Avenue and Claudelands Street, Hamilton Edgecumbe, White and Leigh
Hamilton’s fast progress within the Nineteen Fifties meant elevated demand for electrical energy, with extra infrastructure required. Within the Nineteen Fifties alone, Hamilton Metropolis Council granted constructing consents for 19 suburban substations, with the places coinciding with the newer suburbs north and south of town centre. The agency designed the Claudelands Substation and others in Kent Avenue (1967) and at Whitiora Faculty (1971). The Waikato energy provide got here by way of present hydro stations dotted alongside the Waikato River however elevated demand led to 2 new dams, Ātiamuri and Ohakuri, commissioned in 1959 and 1961, respectively.
7. 1958 — Farmers’ Co-operative Auctioneering Firm Constructing
115 Kent Avenue, Frankton, Hamilton White, Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
As agriculture developed in Waikato within the early twentieth century, so, too, did business and industrial exercise in Hamilton. Native and regional farmers moved into the Hamilton retail and provide commerce, organising the Farmers’ Co-operative Auctioneering Firm in 1906. As farming grew after the Second World Warfare, farming provide corporations grew as properly, as evidenced by this enormous, two-storey retail and manufacturing plant in Frankton. The constructing was used to fabricate, package deal and promote uncooked items together with common {hardware} gadgets “within the firm’s trendy premises”. Enterprise was good for Waikato farmers within the Nineteen Fifties.
8. 1960 — Hamilton Municipal Places of work
Anglesea Avenue, Hamilton White, Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
The brand new Council constructing was formally opened on 9 July 1960, dealing with what was then Worley Avenue. The agency’s long-standing relationship with the shopper meant there was no tendering for this venture, inflicting consternation amongst different native architects. The temporary for the venture was developed over a 12 months, in dialogue with numerous heads of division. Many of those heads requested extra ground house than was required, leaving massive parts of some flooring barely in use as soon as the venture was full. The highest ground was initially designed as a cafeteria and staffrooms however later modified to the mayoral suite.
9. 1961 — All Saints Anglican Church
6 Hohaia Avenue, Matamata Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
In its lifetime, the agency designed quite a few church buildings throughout many denominations, although most have been for the Anglican Church, together with these in Pirongia (1959), Otorohanga (1958), Tūākau (1960), Matamata (1961), Putāruru (1962), Claudelands, Hamilton (1963), Bader, Hamilton (1963) and Piopio (1977). It additionally designed Catholic church buildings in Fairfield, Hamilton (1957) and Te Awamutu (1958), in addition to a Methodist church in Morrinsville (1955) and Presbyterian church buildings in Fairfield, Hamilton (1957), Ngāruawāhia (1961) and Matamata (1979). Solely the chapel at Waikato Diocesan Faculty for Ladies made it to print. See House and Constructing March 1959.
10. 1962, demolished 2024 — Hamilton Founders Memorial Theatre
221 Tristram Avenue, Hamilton Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
Impressed by the Belgrade Theatre (1958) in Coventry, ‘Founders’ opened in November 1962. The venture was pushed primarily by a committee led by H.H. Innes, which raised the mandatory funds to have the theatre constructed. The primary house accommodated as much as 1250 individuals and may very well be divided by floor-to-ceiling curtains when audiences have been smaller. One of many earliest performances on the theatre was by jazz legend Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars band on 20 March 1963. Regardless of a public marketing campaign to have the constructing saved, it was demolished in 2024, with the grounds proposed to turn into a reserve.
11. 1965, demolished 1996 — BNZ Constructing
354 Victoria Avenue, Hamilton Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
The BNZ was a seven-storey business constructing situated subsequent door to the agency’s 1940 Publish Workplace, with each buildings that includes double-height entries. The financial institution is believed to have been the primary business constructing in Hamilton with centralised air con. Mahogany was used for the entrance face of the general public counters in addition to the double-height concrete columns, as was the case within the Hamilton Municipal Places of work (1960), which at this time stay largely authentic. The outside façade glass had a inexperienced hue, a color that was carried inside with the vinyl counter tops and emerald-green carpet. See NZIA Journal Aug 1965.
12. 1966 — Air Terminal Constructing, Hamilton
Airport Airport Street, RD2, Hamilton Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
The Hamilton air terminal is a big, practically 4000m2 constructing, designed to accommodate public lounges, a mezzanine degree and an commentary platform. The constructing was designed by Henry Clarke, who labored briefly for the agency earlier than leaving to hitch Rod Smith as a associate in 1964. The form of the roof represents a cross-section of an aileron (the horizontal flaps situated close to the outer finish of an plane’s wings), seen right here floating on a steady glass curtain wall. Varied interventions and upgrades to the constructing have obscured the unique design intent. See NZIA Journal Aug 1965 and House and Constructing April 1969.
13. 1967 — Salvation Military Citadel
99 London Avenue, Hamilton Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
That is one among a number of Salvation Military commissions dropped at the agency by Tom Smith, who was lively in that organisation. The unique constructing comprised three massive halls, with the principle corridor accommodating 250 individuals and a gallery for an additional 80. A raised platform allowed for a band of 38 and a choir of fifty. Particular consideration was given to acoustics, with vertical pivoted fins alongside each inner facet partitions permitting for changes for various sound situations. Intensive additions to the unique constructing accomplished in 2009 have been delicate to the unique design. See House and Constructing July 1969.
14. 1970—1976 — Bryant Corridor Scholar Village, College of Waikato
122 Knighton Street, Hamilton Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
The institution in 1964 of a college in Hamilton created various alternatives for native architects. The agency was chargeable for not solely these residential halls, that are nonetheless in use at this time, but in addition the Warden’s Home, the Chaplain’s Home, the conversion of a shed to the Scholar Union Constructing and the Vice-Chancellor’s Home. The shopper for the halls was a committee of the Bryant Belief Board and, though the College finally accredited the venture, the halls have been paid for by the Bryant Belief, completely as a present to the College and to town of Hamilton.
15. 1974—1981 — Centennial Swimming pools
Garnett Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton de Lisle, Fraser, Smith and Pickering
Accomplished and formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1981, this venture was undertaken in levels, commencing in 1974. The advanced was first opened to the general public in late 1976, 15 years after Hamilton Jaycees prompt a brand new swimming pool advanced in Fairfield Park. The suggestion led to a proposal in 1964 to mark town’s centennial and, in 1973, the choice was made to construct the advanced in Te Rapa as an alternative. ‘Waterworld’ stays a Hamilton Metropolis Council-owned pool advanced that additionally options three hydro slides and a big out of doors playground.
Pictures: Matt Grant – 01, 04, 07, 09, 13; Hamilton Central Library Heritage Assortment – 02 (08945, Photographer W. Younger), 03 (06158), 05 (14977), 06 (M00277.34), 08 (03191, Photographer A. E. Graham), 10 (07618), 11 (2007.31.88), 12 (03248, Photographer A. E. Graham), 14 (03480), 15 (M00729.23).
OTHER ADDRESSES
1934 — Cambridge City Clock
Victoria Sq., CambridgeEdgecumbe and White
1950 — Alerts Constructing
135 Ward Avenue, HamiltonWhite, Leigh and de Lisle
1957 — Cadbury Fry Hudson Ltd
120 Kent Avenue, Frankton, HamiltonWhite, Leigh, de Lisle and Fraser
1968 — BOP Electrical Energy Board Workplace Block
4 Pyne Avenue, WhakātaneLeigh, de Lisle and Fraser
SOURCES
Regardless of the agency’s prolific output, and because the first Hamilton apply to be printed in House and Constructing in 1941, not a lot of its work seems in print, apart from just a few business and residential tasks printed within the Nineteen Fifties and Sixties. Each Aubrey de Lisle and his spouse Mary (additionally an architect) have been interviewed in 1999 as a part of Hamilton Metropolis Libraries’ Oral Historical past Programme, ‘Again to the Drawing Board: Abstracted Interviews from the Architects’ Oral Historical past Mission’ (1999–2000). The interviews from this programme are a useful supply and people with the de Lisles knowledgeable a lot of this itinerary. Helpful printed sources embrace: Andrew Barrie and Jade Shum’s ‘A Information to Waikato Structure’, printed as Map No. 5 in Block: The Broadsheet of the Auckland Department of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, nos 1/2 (2020); Peter Gibbons’ Astride the River: A Historical past of Hamilton (Christchurch: Whitcoulls, 1977); Barry Lafferty’s Frankton: From Farm to Inside Metropolis (Hamilton: Print Home Ltd, 2014); and Venetia Sherson’s edited assortment, Heritage Hamilton (Hamilton: Ramp Press, Wintec, 2006). I’ve additionally written on Hamilton structure beforehand, in ‘A Visible Survey of Hamilton Architects and Waikato Structure 1935–1955’, a Grasp of Structure thesis, accomplished at Victoria College of Wellington in 2024.
The Itinerary sequence is supported by Dulux Colors of New Zealand. Dulux Color Specialist Davina Harper has chosen a Colors of New Zealand palette primarily based on this itinerary. See the complete vary and order color samples right here.
