Heritage-inspired creations exhibited

A new exhibition at Matakana is set to bring a touch of New Zealand’s architectural past to Mahurangi, as artist Sophie Prendergast showcases a collection of works inspired by the country’s historic villas and bungalows.

Sophie, who recently moved to the area, will exhibit her creations at Charlies Gelato in Sharp Road, from April 15 to May 6.

The artwork is crafted from salvaged materials taken from Auckland homes that have been demolished during urban redevelopment.

Originally from Onehunga, Sophie grew up in a 1920s bungalow that her family painstakingly restored.

The experience left a lasting impression.

“My father is a real DIY person, and watching him restore our home when it was quite run down shaped the way I think about buildings,” she said. “Onehunga is known for its heritage houses, so I’ve always felt strongly about preserving their history.”

That early influence eventually guided Sophie toward studying Fine Arts at Elam School of Fine Arts, where her fascination with historic architecture became central to her artistic practice.

Today, Sophie’s work focuses on New Zealand’s heritage architecture and its influence on domestic life.

She sources weatherboards and floorboards from demolished villas and bungalows, reclaiming the native timber and transforming it into artworks that reflect the familiar textures and forms of traditional New Zealand homes.

By reusing these materials, Sophie hopes to highlight the ongoing loss of historic housing while contributing to conversations about sustainability and heritage preservation.

“The materials themselves carry history. They’re a physical record of the homes they once belonged to.”

Her pieces echo the visual language of the classic weatherboard house, reimagining architectural fragments in ways that celebrate the character and craftsmanship of older homes, which are fast disappearing.

Exhibition visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the artist in person during an informal opening event on Saturday, April 25, between 2pm and 4pm.

Sophie says she is excited to share her work with the community.