Lamb House

In 1947, a unique house arose in Remuera. It was Lamb House at 131 Arney Road. This wasn’t just any house. It was the first creation of a pioneering female architect, Muriel Lamb. Lamb House stands as a testament to her vision and a significant landmark in New Zealand’s architectural history. Muriel designed this modernist gem for her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. The property held a special significance for the Lamb family, having been in their possession for 115 years. Lamb House is considered the most authentic surviving example of Muriel’s work. Her architectural career spanned decades, and she left her mark on various buildings across Auckland and beyond. One of her later projects, strikingly similar to Lamb House, was the Griffith house in St Heliers, sadly now demolished. Her portfolio included other notable residences like Morrow House in Glendowie and Reeves House in Pakuranga. She even ventured into designing a golf clubhouse in Raetihi and affordable homes in Onehunga for the Parker Lamb Housing Company. Muriel’s legacy extends beyond residential projects. She played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of New Zealand’s service stations. During her time in London, she secured a commission from Shell Oil to design their service station layouts. This led her on a research trip across the United States, and for ten years, she shaped the design of many Shell stations in New Zealand. Lamb House at 131 Arney Road remains a tangible link to Muriel’s groundbreaking career and her family’s history. It’s a quiet reminder of a woman who defied conventions and left an enduring legacy on New Zealand architecture.