In March 2023, the Winter Gardens were fully re-opened to the public following a complex two-year project to seismically upgrade and undertake major repairs and improvements to the glasshouses and wider site. The repairs and strengthening works were complex and required a number of changes to the structures, which have been carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that the heritage values of the place have been protected and enhanced. This icon site has been conserved for the future. This has been accomplished on time and within the original estimates on behalf of Auckland Council.
Situated within a Devonport character heritage neighbourhood, the existing masonry house and garage, dating from the 1980s, were of somewhat indifferent architectural character. Our clients sought to renovate both buildings with a contemporary design approach that would preserve the scale and massing of the surrounding heritage streetscape.
Specific requirements of the client’s brief included maximum possible height in the main studio working space, provision for a variety of potters equipment (2 x kilns, drying and storage racks, wheels, workbenches). Also required was a separate office and a general storage room to be sited directly off the adjacent street.
Given the building’s location hard against two site boundaries, the design needed to respond carefully to a very tight planning envelope. While located within a special character area, it was important the new studio be unmistakably modern rather than mimic historic styles. Although initially met with some apprehension by the Community Board, the gently curved roofs were ultimately recognised as fitting well into the local streetscape.
A combination of solid plaster render, ply board and batten, timber joinery and corrugated steel were used. The size, scale and finish of these materials were explored and included smooth finish render, meranti ply and corrugated baby iron as the three types of wall cladding.
The client’s requirement of a robust wall lining material lead to the use of ply sheet lining to all walls and ceilings (including the curved ceilings throughout the studio). Client selected terracotta tiles were used as a durable and practical working floor suitable for such a studio.
Drawing inspiration from the materiality of the existing materiality of the house of timber, steel, and plaster — our design sought to enrich those textures and create a timeless, relaxed, and classic environment. Special care was taken in shaping each space to foster a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with thoughtful use of every available nook and cranny to create intimate spaces.
