This English Gothic Revival style church, constructed of Basalt stone with Oamaru stone decorative detailing was built in 1894 and stands tall on a hill in the centre of Auckland. It is the longest established church in the city. The original architect’s ambitious design was never fully realised due to lack of funds.
Salmond Reed Architects was involved with All Saints’ between 2011 and 2018 advising on staged restoration and assisting with fundraising – initially, producing a conservation plan, followed by specifications and managing contract works on site.
Stage 1 was completed in 2018 and funded by New Zealand Lottery Grants Board (Lottery Environment and Heritage) as well as support from the Diocese, All Saints’ Church Parishioners, Hokitika Parish and the Community. Stage 1 addressed the need to stop the water penetration of the flat roofs and seismic upgrading - structural connections between the roofs and walls. The tower restoration included renewing the roof membrane with traditional asphalt, relocating the bells inside the tower, the original timber louvres restoration and reinstatement of the traditional plaster weathering coat to the exterior walls. The plaster was formulated using local materials and sourcing the original sand from a local farmer - the result, an amazing vernacular finish for this attractive architectural gem. The project was an extremely challenging but rewarding one.