Heritage

Diocesan School Chapel Remediation

Location

Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland

Client

Diocesan School for Girls

Date

2025

Salmond Reed Architects were the architectural heritage consultants for the seismic upgrade and full restoration of St Barnabas and the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord at Diocesan School for Girls, completed in September 2025. Working in close collaboration with Creative ARCH design architects and Fraser Thomas Engineers, to achieve 100% of the New Building Standard (NBS), alongside a comprehensive restoration of both chapels. The project employed traditional conservation techniques and materials to preserve the historic character of these significant heritage buildings.

Churches
Collaboration
Colonial
Conservation
Condition Report
Earthquake strengthening
Education
Heritage Impact Assessments
Glazing
Interiors
Leadlight
Maintenance
Maintenance Planning
Materials
Ornamentation
Photographic Inventories
Plaster
Repairs
Restoration
Seismic Strengthening
Slate
Specialist materials
Stained Glass
Timber
Sustainability

The Diocesan School Board required both chapels to be strengthened to 100% NBS, reflecting their commitment to health and safety and the high occupancy and intensity of use within these spaces. This was an exceptionally complex project with extensive roof repairs demanding meticulous detailing and a dedicated team to safeguard the integrity of these heritage buildings.

Major structural challenges were addressed. Achieving 100% NBS required substantial intervention, delivered through a carefully designed and sensitive approach. Both chapels underwent major temporary dismantling to allow structural upgrades, with every detail considered to minimize visual and physical impact on the heritage fabric.

Traditional conservation techniques were employed throughout. Wherever possible, original materials were reused to maintain authenticity and sustainability, such as reclaimed Kauri timber found onsite.

The completed project represents a significant achievement: two heritage chapels strengthened to the highest seismic standard while retaining their architectural integrity. Beautifully restored, these buildings will remain at the heart of Diocesan School for generations to come.

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Address

Level 4, Landmark House
187 Queen Street
Auckland CBD 1010

Mailing
PO Box 105929, Auckland City 1143