BACH 103

FLOUNDER INN

Flounder Inn (Bach #103) and her outbuildings are historically significant. The bach is recorded as being a Bach of particular significance, and has been selected as a representative of architectural and historical issues on Rangitoto Island.

The bach is significant as a variant of the vernacular amateur-built Rangitoto Bach. Although the gable orientation is not typical the lean-to veranda re-asserts the open frontal connection with the sea more typical of the baches with roofs orientated parallel with the sea. Is typical of amateur baches in that it exhibits a wide variety of salvaged materials and recycled elements. Improvisation techniques are evident in joinery installation

At Islington Bay, most of the settlement follows the coastline, but a few buildings including Flounder Inn are accessed from the inland road to Motutapu, which extends over the causeway from Islington Bay. The landform and disposition of buildings at Islington Bay has resulted in a more complex spatial quality to this settlement of thirteen remaining baches. The baches reflect the building design preferences of their time, mostly in a rudimentary or stripped down form. In many instances recycled building elements from earlier buildings have been included, including materials gathered from the remains of wrecks at Boulder Bay, reflecting the economic hardship of the time and the kiwi ‘do it yourself’ approach.

Conserving Flounder Inn will provide context for community identity whereby people can relate to the land and those who have gone before. RIHCT & Motu Whare Ltd hope to perpetually restore vibrancy and life to Flounder Inn in collaboration with RIHCT and the Department of Conservation (DOC) for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

The remedial works specified in Jeremy Treadwell’s report are necessary to prevent further deterioration. Although the building is currently intact and not ruinously dilapidated it faces a number of problems all generated by water entry and exposure.

Flounder Inn was reroofed in 2011. This work included the replacement of rotten fascia board and the installation of new flashings. These initial works stopped the leak which was damaging the ceiling, floor and foundations of the southern side of the building. The Trust has cut back vegetation which was overhanging the bach and excavated ground levels around the perimeter of the building to ensure that air can circulate freely underneath most parts of the building. New spouting and a water tank with litter guard were purchased and installed in 2018. And a lean to has been built to cover the rear door as per Jeremy Treadwell’s report.