Heritage work

Woodford House, Papanui, Christchurch

This historic home in Christchurch was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes.

Built in 1887, this 700sqm, 3 storey Victorian mansion has undergone a number of face lifts to present day. Our involvement came in directly after the September 2010 quake, with three of our staff members on site almost immediately to help preserve this amazing structure. The quake caused extensive initial damage, the four brick chimneys collapsed with one falling through an upstairs bedroom, and another falling down the roof and through the front verandah. Sections of the house moved 50mm off the foundations, making the whole structure unstable. Windows broke, internal plaster and cornice cracked and fell and the entrance way arch collapsed.

The repair was made all the more difficult by the ongoing aftershocks, especially when working on the roof.

We worked closely with the owners to ensure that the house was not only repaired, but restored and reinstated to its former glory. Great attention to detail was taken to make sure that the work undertaken reflected the important historical details associated with its construction. This included period scotia and hand making 3m finials for the roof details. Full credit has to be given to the owners for not compromising on finishing touches.

Read the owners reference here, and an article about the house here.

Ashburton Ng King Brothers Chinese Market Garden Settlement

We have been fortunate to have been involved with the stabilisation and ongoing restoration of the Ng King Chinese Market Garden Settlement in Ashburton, in conjunction and co-operation with the Ng King families, the Ashburton District Council and Hertiage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. This work includes stabilising buildings, and improving weathertightness of both the roofs and cladding, without affecting the overall aesthetic of the buildings.

The Ng King Chinese Market Garden Settlement is the eighth post-1900 site in the country to be declared by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Situated on Allens Rd, it is considered the only remaining set of buildings associated with early 20th century Chinese market gardening in New Zealand. Although some of the original buildings have been removed or demolished, the core of the settlement remains standing, including an outdoor pig roasting oven, which was restored in 2013.

The shed and adjoining store has suffered major weather events in recent years, first partially collapsing and then fully collapsing. As these buildings are an integral part of the settlement it was decided to rebuild these structures, using new structural timbers to ensure longevity, and recycled materials aesthetically where possible.

Read the Stuff article here.