Restorations can be a long time in the making and the St Clement’s Maori Anglican Church in Ahipara is no exception, as Salmond Reed Architects started the process of investigations, research, and reporting as early as 2005. This prominent church in the Far North has exceeded all expectations with its bright new sanctuary window, entry porch, and distinctive bell tower - all in time for its Sesquicentenary in 2024.
The most significant aspect of this alteration was a reinstatement of the original west verandah, entry and hallway. We provided templates for the fretwork and our clients crafted them in the local community workshop. Their work is seen in several of the finishing details and this involvement was a lovely part of the project.
A new bay window was added to the front room alongside the new verandah, using the double hung sash windows from the existing wall.
A new kitchen extension was designed as a traditional lean-to, which opens to the dining room from where sea views can be enjoyed. The enclosed stair to the existing first floor space was relocated to the hallway and opened up to the kitchen. New balustrading and newel posts seamlessly completed the transformation. The existing north facing deck was rebuilt in steel sections with a louvred roof and screened central bay. From here a new outdoor living space was created, which has stunning views out over Ngataringa Bay.
