A double-dome house to bring out your Star Wars childhood fantasies

By
Colleen Hawkes
February 20, 2019
It look as though it's just landed from another planet, but this ferro-cement dome house in Island Bay was built in the 1970s. Photo: Bayleys Wellington

We love it when people think outside the square, and that’s what’s happened here – there are very few straight walls in this house in Wellington, New Zealand.

The three-bedroom house comprises two symmetrical, linked ferro-cement domes; one accommodates the family living spaces and the other is the bedroom wing.

The house sits on 550 square metres. Photo: Bayleys Wellington Photo: Bayleys Wellington

The overseas owners of the property have put it on the market and Bayleys listing agent Colin Rooney says it’s likely to appeal to downsizers and young families. He also suggests it may well “bring out your Star Wars childhood fantasies”.

“I would say to people, don’t disregard it because it’s different. The layout is quite clever, but it is probably one of those houses you really have to see to appreciate. It feels bigger than it looks from the outside. People coming through our open homes are also saying it feels better than expected.”

A conservatory at the rear provides a sunny place to relax. Photo: Bayleys Wellington

Rooney says the house, built in the 1970s, has solid bones and is constructed from naturally insulating materials, so it’s very cool in summer, and warm and dry in winter. “And the aerodynamic shape means there are virtually no wind issues – even when Wellington blows her most impressive gales.”

Rooney says there are clear maintenance advantages from the dome structure. “You’ll save on costly repairs – no roof, flashings, or gutters to worry about here. It’s easily painted inside and outside to give it a fresh look.”

The front entry is between the two domes. Photo: Bayleys Wellington

Other special features include a conservatory living space at the rear, between the two domes, and views across Cook Strait to the Kaikōura mountains. There is also a large workshop and a double garage.

The house, which has a CV of $670,000, is being sold by tender, with tenders closing on February 27, 2019.

The conservatory gets all-day sun, even in winter. Photo: Bayleys Wellington
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