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Cook Brothers Construction
Beca (Structural Engineer), Cook Brothers Construction (Construction Company), Powell Fenwick Consultants Ltd (Engineer), RCP (Project Manager), Rhodes & Associates (Quantity Surveyor), Team Architects (Architect/Designer)
Lincoln University
The restoration of Ivey West (1880) and Memorial Hall (1923) required a careful balance of structural strengthening and heritage preservation within a live university campus. Extensive temporary works, including internal refuge support to Memorial Hall, were installed before restoration could safely begin, while asbestos contamination demanded strict staging and isolation. Heritage craftsmanship was central to delivery. An on-site joinery workshop enabled salvaged timber to be repaired and reinstated, with original sash windows, mouldings, and newel posts carefully rebuilt to meet conservation standards. Cultural collaboration with Ngai Tahu artist Morgan Darlison embedded tangata whenua narratives into the architecture, elevating the buildings beyond traditional restoration. Through adaptive reuse, local sourcing, and material salvage, the project reconnects key campus pathways while safeguarding two of Canterbury’s most significant heritage landmarks.
The restoration of Ivey West and Memorial Hall at Lincoln University is a highly accomplished project that brings new life to two important heritage buildings. Cook Brothers Construction strengthened and adapted these severely earthquake-damaged buildings, creating a new home for the Vice-Chancellor’s Office while preserving their history and character. What impressed the judges was the way heritage, culture, and contemporary use were brought together so successfully, improving campus cohesion. Collaboration with artist Morgan Darlison brought local tangata whenua storytelling and identity into the project, giving the buildings deeper meaning and presence. The craftsmanship throughout is of a very high standard, with original materials carefully preserved and reused.
Alexander Construction
Alexander Construction HB (Construction Company), Ann Galloway Architect (Architect/Designer), Gavin Cooper Architect (Architect/Designer)
Art Deco Trust key representativeNapier City Council
After more than a decade of vacancy, the War Memorial Women’s Rest Rooms have been carefully restored to honour their heritage while returning them to public use. This Art Deco-listed building presented considerable complexities, including the installation of structural steel to achieve 100% NBS, and managing the sensitivities of a highly visible civic site with multiple stakeholders. Alexander Construction navigated the process with professionalism, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit, earning praise from the Art Deco Trust for their stewardship. The restoration maintained original materials wherever possible, including pinex linings, timber joinery, and spouting, blending preservation and environmental awareness with practical upgrades. This project exemplifies how heritage buildings can be thoughtfully revitalised to serve future generations, while staying true to their historical and cultural value.
Christchurch City Council (Project Manager), Cook Brothers Construction (Construction Company), DPA Architects (Architect/Designer), Healey Heritage & Architectural Services (HH&A) (Architect/Designer), Rupp Consulting Limited (Structural Engineer)
Christchurch City Council
Restoring Chokebore Lodge, a Category 1 heritage building dating back to the 1850s, required patience, craftsmanship, and deep respect for its historic fabric. Constructed from cob, a traditional blend of earth, sand, straw, and water, the earthquake-damaged structure had to be carefully stabilised before restoration could begin. Cob repair is exceptionally rare in New Zealand. When the original specialist contractor was unable to complete the work, the team upskilled their own crew to produce and install cob blocks on site, maintaining authenticity while keeping the programme on track. Modern seismic strengthening was introduced discreetly, supported by tailored safety protocols and weather-dependent staging. Through handcrafted joinery and carefully matched finishes, the project safeguards one of Christchurch’s oldest homes while honouring its original character.