Gordon Wilson Flats, Modernist apartment complex in Te Aro, New Zealand
Gordon Wilson Flats is a post-war residential complex in Te Aro comprising 75 maisonette units with striking concrete construction and visual structural grids. The development spans multiple levels on The Terrace with a rational, functional design approach characteristic of International Modernism from that era.
The complex was built between 1957 and 1959 as a solution for social housing needs and named after Government Architect Gordon Wilson, who designed it. The site previously held the first residence of George Hunter, Wellington's inaugural mayor.
The building is valued today mainly for its modern design language that combines European design principles with local building needs. Visitors immediately notice the striking concrete walls and structural grids that define its appearance and reflect the architectural vision of its era.
The building sits in a central location on The Terrace and is easily accessible from Wellington's downtown area. Since the complex is currently not publicly accessible, visitors can mainly admire its architecture from the outside.
A remarkable aspect is the complex's role as a turning point in New Zealand's architectural history, bringing European modernism together with local needs. This made it a key reference point for the development of contemporary housing in the country.
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