House

• unknown
• (original plans)
• 1907
• 1, 3, 5 and 7 Seddon Terrace, four dwellings (00053:141:7842)

• unknown
• Not assessed

Not assessed

The house at 7 Seddon Terrace, like that at number 3, is a simple single storey villa. It has a central front door, sheltered by a prominent central porch. The porch has open timberwork, a pedimented roof, and is supported in two posts coming well forward of the front wall of the house. On either side there is a pair of double hung windows.

The hipped roof is clad in Decramastic tiles (probably originally corrugated iron), while the brick chimney still exists. The exterior cladding and the structural material of the walls, is cast in situ concrete; it is well detailed with timber facings and cornice to the top if the walls, and weatherboards to the recessed walls of the porch.

The house is well sited on high ground at the end of Seddon Terrace, with ample sun and views. The front garden has no mature trees, so the house can be seen well from the street. Its neighbours are a mix of single and two storey houses of a similar age (built also according to the Workers Dwelling Act) which combine to make a precinct of period interest.

• Architectural

  Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

  This house is a good example of a modest single storey villa and is a surviving representative of the early 20th century Workers Dwelling Act housing scheme.

• Group

  Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

  This house is one of a group constructed on Seddon Terrace and Coromandel Streets for the Workers Dwelling Act. Its neighbours are a mix of single and two storey houses of a similar age, which combine to make a precinct of some interest.

• Townscape

  Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

  The house is of townscape value as it is well sited at the end of the Terrace, with ample sun and views and no mature trees blocking it from sight.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

  These houses are representative of the Worker’s Dwelling Act. The Act was a part of significant social legislation passed by the Liberal Government during its long period in power (1893-1912).

• Archaeological

  Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

  These houses are in an area known to be associated with pre-1900 human activity.

• Educational

  Does the item have educational value for what it can demonstrate about aspects of the past?

  These houses are of educational value for the place that they have in the story of welfare and social development in New Zealand – they illustrate the intentions of the Liberal Government in passing the Worker’s Dwelling Act.

• Technological

  Does the item have technological value for its innovative or important construction methods or use of materials?

  These houses have important technical value as examples of design and construction techniques from the early 20th century.

Not assessed

• Authentic

  Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

  These houses have significant exterior authenticity as they have had few modifications or alterations made.

• Local Regional National International

  Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  As representatives of the first attempt at state housing in New Zealand these houses are of national importance for their historic value, group value, and authenticity, and of local importance for their contribution to the townscape.

• Representative

  Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

  These houses are representative of the houses constructed under the Worker’s Dwelling Act, and of the designs and construction techniques of the time.

Not assessed

• Wellington City Council. Heritage Building Inventory 2001. Wellington City Council 2001.
• CTs WN310/104 and WNC2/695
• 1907 1, 3, 5 and 7 Seddon Terrace, four dwellings (00053:141:7842)

Not available

Not available