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Heritage and Restoration

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Project: Naenae Post Office Development - Community Centre Entrant Duncan Commercial Construction Project Partners Architecture HDT (Architect/Designer), Duncan Commercial Construction (Construction Company), Sawrey Consulting Engineers (Structural Engineer), The Heritage Practice (Architect/Designer) Owned By Hutt City Council The former Naenae Post Office, a Category 1 Historic Place, has been thoughtfully revitalised by Duncan Commercial Construction into Te Mako – Naenae Community Centre. Preserving its mid-century modernist character, original features such as the marble entrance floor, river stone cobbles, brass window winding gear, rimu panelling, safe door, and even a graffiti-marked phone box door were carefully retained. Strengthening the structure for modern use presented significant challenges, including seismic upgrades, asbestos removal, and preserving the integrity of the iconic clock tower. Now home to co-working spaces, community rooms, and a communal kitchen, Te Mako is as an example of close collaboration with iwi and the local community to restore heritage spaces.
Project: New Zealand Parliament Executive Wing Façade Entrant Naylor Love Wellington Project Partners Holmes Group (Engineer), Naylor Love Wellington (Construction Company), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer), Warren and Mahoney Architects (Architect/Designer) Owned By Parliamentary Service The restoration of the iconic Beehive façade is a testament to Naylor Love Wellington’s ability to deliver complex projects within live, unpredictable, and sensitive environments. Tasked with replacing the Level 1-3 curtain walls, steel wind beams, and concrete soffit while preserving the building’s heritage marble, the team demonstrated exceptional planning and collaboration to ensure that Parliament operations continued without disruption. The team navigated strict security protocols, maintaining confidentiality and safety while using innovative solutions like full-height curtains and printed scrims to minimise visual and operational disruptions. With careful sequencing and attention to detail, the project preserved the Beehive’s iconic character while preserving its status as a Category 1 Heritage Building.
Project: Speight's Ale House Entrant Naylor Love Central Otago Project Partners DGSE (Basebuild Architect) (Architect/Designer), Ignite Architects (Fit-out Architect) (Architect/Designer), Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers (Structural Engineer), Naylor Love Central Otago (Project Manager), Origin Consultants LTD (Heritage Consultant) (Architect/Designer), Wainwright & Hickey, Heritage Stonework (Construction Company) Owned By Village Green Family Trust Ltd The restoration of Queenstown’s Speight’s Ale House following a devastating 2023 fire has returned a much- loved local landmark to the community, preserving its architectural heritage while bringing it in line with modern building codes. One of the project’s standout achievements was the careful restoration of historical details, including faux tuck-pointing on the chimney and traditional plastering techniques to retain its character. All materials were salvaged where possible and every replacement element required approval from Heritage New Zealand to maintain historical integrity. Despite the complex logistics of working with a heritage building, the project team delivered a restoration that honours the building’s past while cementing its place in Queenstown’s social fabric for generations to come.
Project: St Joseph's Catholic Church Temuka Entrant David Fridd Building Project Partners Constructure Christchurch Ltd (Structural Engineer), David Fridd Building Ltd (Construction Company), Desmond Prisk Architects Ltd (Architect/Designer), Rawlinsons (Project Manager) Owned By The Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Christchurch Severely damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes, the restoration of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Temuka demanded significant structural strengthening, including the full reconstruction of its iconic stone spire and tower. As work progressed, previously hidden damage to the century-old building became apparent, requiring on-site adaptation of engineering solutions. The team restored intricate stained-glass windows, delicate plasterwork, and historic stone features, working closely with Heritage New Zealand to ensure authenticity. Advanced 3D BIM modelling streamlined coordination, scaffolding design, and approval processes while rigorous safety protocols addressed the challenges of working at height and crane-assisted material lifts.
Project: Te Horo Kilns: Station Building Restoration and Site Works Entrant Sparrow Construction Project Partners Sparrow Construction Limited (Construction Company), WSP (Engineer), WSP Architecture (Architect/Designer) Owned By Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency The historic Te Horo Railway Station restoration converted the 100-year-old structure into a residential artist-in- residence. The wider site has been repurposed as a public events space, supporting the Mirek Smišek Arts Trust’s vision, named in honour of the renowned Czechoslovakian ceramicist who lived and worked on the site for three decades. As a Category 2 heritage building, the station’s restoration required careful navigation of strict heritage guidelines while upgrading the structure to meet modern building and tenancy standards. The team expertly managed complex challenges, including acoustic resilience against nearby motorway noise, lead paint removal, and the bespoke restoration of original timber elements. Part of the nationally significant Te Horo Kilns site, the project not only protects an important piece of history but also helps realise the Trust’s vision of a vibrant, creative hub for artists and the wider community.
Project: Temuka Courthouse Museum Entrant Timaru Construction Project Partners Temuka & Districts Historical Society (Client Representative), Timaru Construction Ltd (Construction Company) Owned By Timaru Construction Ltd The restoration of the Temuka Courthouse Museum preserved its historic character while ensuring structural resilience for future generations. The project involved carefully removing, storing, and reinstating original interior features, including linings, skirtings, architraves, dados, ceiling panels, and joinery units. Collaboration was key, with 3D ArchiCAD modelling aiding design coordination and video conferencing facilitating remote engagement with the Wellington-based structural engineer. This project successfully balanced budget constraints with heritage integrity, demonstrating a practical and cost-effective approach to historic preservation and seismic strengthening.