The flat won the Te Roopu Maori Best Name or Sign in OUSAs 2007 House & Garden awards. The judges thought the sign on this flat was Fucking awesome! and the flatmates were awarded with a trophy for best flat name and a $100 grocery voucher.[1] When the tenants of 2008 didnt want the sign, the Chamber Boys took it with them to their subsequent flat.  When I met up with them the sign was hanging on their lounge room wall.

[1] Judges comments provided by OUSA.

Hogwarts on Hyde Street (2009)

The Harry Potter series has hit a number of records in literary and film-making history. One record that is sure to be unique in the world is the influence of the series on house naming. Here in Dunedin, New Zealand there have been a number of flats that have been bestowed names with a Potteresque flavour.

Something I’ve noticed about the naming of student flats over the years is that popular culture plays a huge part in the naming, and there are examples of films and literature being a source of inspiration over the decades that flat naming has been a thing. Earlier examples are Smerch HQ (1960s), Hobbit (1970s), The Bordello (1990s) and, more recently Zeta.

The first Potter inspired flat is the Chamber of Secrets (2007) from 150 Frederick Street. All Potter fans, the sign depicting the Hogwarts crest was painted by Will. The flat won the Te Roopu Maori Best Name or Sign in OUSAs 2007 House & Garden awards. The judges thought the sign on this flat was Fucking awesome!.  When the tenants of 2008 didnt want the (frankly amazing) sign, the Chamber Boys took it with them.  When I met up with them the sign was hanging on their lounge room wall.

In the Harry Potter series, the Shrieking Shack was commonly known as the most haunted house in England. In Dunedin the Shrieking Shack on Great King Street received its name in 2010 from Scott Honeyfield, a Potter fan, and his flatmates. Scott told me the age and character of the house suited the name. Interestingly the house is also well known for its toilet under the stairs that can not accommodate persons of height. The toilet under the stairs may allude to the shitty living conditions Harry Potter experienced while living with the Dursleys on Privet Drive. I acknowledge this may be a bit of a reach on my part.

Since 2010 the Shrieking Shack has maintained its name with periods of absence of signage. The current iteration of the sign is the third in 5 years and resembles a white on black version of the Queen Street sign seen below which utilises the Harry Potter style lightening bolt font.

Shrieking Shack, Great King Street

Heres a photo of the same flat from late in 2015. This sign replaced one which was stolen earlier in the year.

Shrieking Shack on Great King Street (2015)

The Shrieking Shack on Queen Street had a short life, this rendition offers a black on white interpretation of the current sign that can be seen on the Great King Street flat (above).

Shrieking Shack, Queen Street

In 2014 I was approached by a property developer, Tim Calder, who wanted to name a few of his flats on St David Street. After some discussion around potential ideas, he and his property manager Megan, decided on Harry Potter themed names. I visited the flats on Friday 27th November but only found one sign still in situ, Godrics Hollow.

Godrics Hollow, 114a St David Street

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