Built over 100 years ago and inspired by the lidos of Britain, Auckland’s Parnell Baths are an architectural snapshot in time
The historic Parnell Baths are still swimming in retro glamour
When planning a Palm Springs-inspired shoot, the Your Home and Garden team needed to find a location that evoked retro poolside glamour. Auckland’s Parnell Baths, with its more than 100-year history, was the perfect fit. The team styled two summer scenes at the Baths; one inspired by the Californian resort city of Palm Springs, and one celebrating classic nautical style.
The outdoor Parnell Baths complex was an instant hit when it opened in 1914. The salt water pool was filled with water from the ocean, and helped to popularise ocean swimming. The lido style of the Baths was developed in the 1950s, inspired by resort-style pools in the UK, with boardwalks and reclining chairs replacing basic changing room blocks. This architectural style was popularised in Britain in the early 20th century, when many outdoor seaside pools were opened, inspired by the beaches of Italy.
Hungarian architect Tibor Donner, chief architect of the Auckland City Council in the mid-1950s, worked with fellow Council architect Ralph Wilkinson on the Parnell Baths redesign. The Auckland City Council’s Architects Office was awarded a gold medal for the design by the New Zealand Institute of Architects. The mosaic coloured glass mural was designed by James Turkington in collaboration with the architects.
Renovations and restorations in 2003 and 2010 by Matthews & Matthews Architects, who specialise in architectural conservation, ensured the ongoing popularity of the heritage complex.
Evoke a classic seaside ambience with striped towels and canvas cushions, simple navy and white furniture and potted palms or tropical plants. Add a supply of blankets in sunset tones for the evening chill.
Make like Elvis and Priscilla in an oasis inspired by the sophisticated style of Palm Springs. Think tropical prints, lush-leaved plants and colourful inflatables, with cocktails and cacti on the side.
James Turkington’s mosaic mural is an enduring feature of the Parnell Baths. The design may have been partially inspired by Matisse’s The Swimming Pool (1952).
Colourful deck chairs add to the resort-style ambience of the outdoor pool complex.
New Zealand’s largest salt water pool is 60 metres long, and is open solely during the summer months.
Boardwalks and stairways to the pool from neighbouring roads provide practical but stylish access and viewing points.
The partially-heated children’s pool with playground is a drawcard for families.
The redevelopment of the Parnell Baths by Matthews & Matthews Architects in the 2000s “aimed to integrate modern design with an exemplary conservation approach”.
Glass was embedded in plaster panels to create James Turkington’s mural, installed in 1957.
Parnell Baths sits on the edge of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour in the sheltered waters of Judges Bay.
The pool’s functional, modernist look, with Art Deco influences, was inspired by the lidos of Britain.
The retro colour scheme is still visible in the changing rooms, and throughout the complex.
Get the look
Style 1
Pots, from $95 each, from Amber Armitage and Moodstore; potted faux banana palm, $549, and potted faux palm, $389 large, from Moodstore; Coromandel sun chair (left), $399, and Piha lounger in seafood, $429, from Bolt of Cloth; Antigua linen waffle throws in mustard and navy, $239 each, and Sunbrella thick-striped cushion, $135, all from Coast; Pop side table, $690, from Citta; pot on table painted in Resene ‘Pelorus’; Marc Newson Unbreakable Drinkware jug, $19.90, and Unbreakable Drinkware highball glasses, $44.90 set of four, and Castillo round towel, $149, all from Superette; Slim Nautical Havaianas, $40, from havaianasstore.co.nz; Sunbrella thin-striped cushion, $135, picnic bag, $339, and linen Laguna striped towels, $149 each, all from Coast. Minkpink sunglasses, stylist’s own.
Style 2
Pots, from $95 each, from Amber Armitage and Moodstore; potted faux banana palm, $549, potted faux palms, $389 large, $59 small, faux prickly pear cactus, $269, all from Moodstore; Dakota sun hat, $59.90, from Citta; Botanica outdoor cushion, $89, Botanica beach umbrella, $349, Botanica Love rug, $185, and Moeraki storage stool, $329, all from Bolt of Cloth; Pop round side table, $490, from Citta; Socks Rolled Down glass pitcher in turquoise, $135, and Socks Rolled Down tumblers in red, $55 a pair, from Bolt of Cloth; pineapple beach fan (on stool), $28, and watermelon inflatable, $99, both from Iko Iko; float swan, $99, from Moodstore; Riviera sun lounger, $830, from Alfresco Living. Model wears Karen Walker sunglasses, Ingrid Starnes dress, Kathryn Wilson sandals.
Find out more about the Parnell Baths here: http://www.clmnz.co.nz/parnellbaths/
Written by: Fiona Ralph. Photography by: Melanie Jenkins. Styled images: Styled by Amber Armitage. Art direction by Shani Luckman.
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