Claude Megson Counter Constructions

Giles Reid

This is a book on New Zealand architect, Claude Megson (1936-1994).

It features five of his most significant houses, designed in the 1970’s, when his architecture was at its most daring and experimental.

1972 Barr House
1973 Norris House
1973 Cocker Townhouses
1974 Rees Townhouses
1977 Bowker House

The essay provides an introduction to Megson’s career, considers his current reputation and analyses the five houses. It explores how Megson:

Organised space through diagonal views and movement
Tied the building to a cultivated landscape

Articulated their external appearance with the ‘house image’
How he invoked ritual as the means to challenge social conventions

The book reproduces a number of Megson’s richly detailed drawings, from his sketches through to construction documents.

The heart of the book is a photo essay by Jackie Meiring, bringing Megson’s best works to life and showing how they are lived in today.

Giles Reid

For more information visit
www.counterconstructions.com