CHAMBERS 8STATION ARCHITECTURE SHOULD SPEAK OE ITS TIME AND PLACE, BUT VEAPN EDP TIMELESSNESS. EPANK CHAMBERS 8STATION MT EDEN CHAMBERS & STATION Auckland has limited heritage buildings of the quality and with the history of the Mount Eden Municipal Council Chambers and the Mount Eden Fire Station, located at the corner of Valley Road. As a pair they are unique: the former was built in 1912, pre-World War 1; the latter in 1924. They are an important part of our heritage. It has been a privilege to adaptively restore and convert these two very special buildings, and to give them a new life for the next 100 years. Older character buildings have a quality and flexibility that accounts for their durability. Over my career I have been privileged to help retain, restore and adapt many of them, including the old Customhouse and the Old District Court buildings in Auckland and the former City Hotel and Shed 3 in Wellington. Working on Chambers & Station has been equally rewarding. To undertake this project we put together a very special team. Our investors, with the courage and vision to finance this project, were led by Warwick Goldsmith and Jackie Gillies. Our architects and interior designers, A Studio, demonstrated the talent and creativity on offer in New Zealand. Our structural engineers Brown & Thomson ensured that the buildings meet 100% of the current seismic code. While the entire team made significant contributions, a special thanks goes to our main contractor Watts & Hughes who have worked tirelessly to deliver a high quality finish. We trust that you will like what you see. NIGEL A. MCKENNA Project Director .L II I: CONTENTS H I STO R I C AL SI G N I FI C AN C E 10 T H E M U N I C I PA L C H A M B ER S 1 3 T H E F I R E S TA T I O N 2 5 LO C AT I O N & H I S T O R Y 35 EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE 45 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Mt Eden’s leafy streets, city-fringe convenience and strong historical character have made it a highly desirable address for over 100 years. Most buildings are residential, so the former Municipal Chambers and Fire Station, prominently located side by side on a corner site, stand out as handsome local landmarks and symbols of the area’s civic birth in the early 1900s and frantic growth in the 1920s. The Municipal Chambers were designed in grand, revivalist style by the Auckland architectural firm Wade & Wade in 1912. The Fire Station, designed by architect A. Sinclair O’Connor, was completed 12 years later. The two buildings with historic, cultural and architectural significance are scheduled with a Category B heritage plan to protect the exterior and site surroundings. Great efforts have been taken to preserve the authenticity and integrity of these two outstanding buildings. A conservation plan has involved maintaining, repairing, strengthening and restoring while introducing the highest possible standard of quality and luxury. — 10 — 2. .fllr.? (I: -i Hrbi. .3 m. rlrl? rllw. 5% THE MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS This 1912 plastered brick building with timber floors and windows, set proudly in the heart of Mt Eden, has been carefully restored to luxurious modern standards, while remaining true to the original values, construction and craftsmanship of the era. Classic, refined, elegant finishes have been used throughout, with strong period influences. This building is both beautiful and timeless, inside and out. The Council Chamber, on the upper level of the municipal building, is architecturally a highly significant space. The decorative arched plaster ceiling, with deep angular cornices, modillions and frieze, and masonry walls with plastered columns, mouldings, dado and picture rails, have been skilfully restored to their original splendour. These interior spaces are glamorous and modern while still retaining period details such as tongue and groove wall panelling, moulded dados and antiqued bronze fittings, remaining honest to the building’s heritage. — 15 — The apartment conversion retains the character of the original building and works within the structural shell to create three apartments, two at ground level, and one large penthouse apartment on the first and second floors. Creative design makes a feature of the original exterior wall of the building (pre-1940 extension) in the spacious and elegant master bedroom of the penthouse. This has been fully restored and gracefully highlighted with a skylight above which washes the wall with light during the day, while feature lighting exposes it at night. The bathrooms feature marble walls, high-quality European fittings and hanging pendant lights. Carrara marble benchtops provide a dramatic contrast against dark oak cabinetry in the kitchens, which are fitted with top quality European appliances. — 19 — THE MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS FLOOR PL ANS DECK BEDROOM 1 LIVING ROBE ENSUITE DINING BEDROOM 2 ENSUITE APARTMENT 4 LIFT KITCHEN VESTIBULE PATIO KITCHEN SITTING ROOM APARTMENT 3 DINING ROBE ENSUITE BEDROOM 1 LIVING LINK GROUND FLOOR — 20 — BATH MASTER BEDROOM ENSUITE FIRE ROOF DECK STEP ROBE GLAZED ROOF ENSUITE UTILITY STAIRS BEDROOM 2 LIFT GUEST BATHROOM KITCHEN STAIR BEDROOM 3 COATS APARTMENT 6 DINING LIVING LINK LEVEL ONE LEVEL TWO — 21 — r/ffv?f vx/f/f/ff A555 $555? f4 337 f/f/f/f/ i 3 THE FIRE STATION This 1924 reinforced in-situ concrete frame building with brick infill panels and steel windows has been carefully restored to the highest modern standards, while remaining true to the integrity of the original era. Externally this building stylistically reflects the architectural appearance of the neighbouring Municipal Chambers. The building was connected to the Municipal Chambers in 1970, when the Fire Station ceased operating, and both buildings were then used by Mt Eden Borough Council. — 27 — The conversion of the Fire Station has created two apartments on the ground level, each utilising the original engine bay as an open plan living area. Level one is home to a large penthouse apartment with the original social space being used for the open plan living area. The designers have created three superbly stylish homes enhanced by beautiful details and understated industrial loft-style chic. The ceiling in the upper level penthouse incorporates two original decorative ceiling roses, featuring modern industrial lights suspended from them. The high ceilings of all the Station apartments make them truly sensational. The living spaces flow to a generous west-facing private terrace or deck. The bathrooms feature natural stone and white marble, with charcoal porcelain floors, high-quality matt black European tapware and dark cabinetry. The kitchens have Carrara marble benchtops and dark oak cabinetry, with top-quality freestanding European appliances in black. — 30 — THE FIRE STATION FLOOR PL ANS PRIVATE COURTYARD LIVING PRIVATE COURTYARD LIVING BEDROOM 1 LIFT BEDROOM 1 ENSUITE ROBE ROBE DINING APARTMENT 1 ENSUITE DINING ENTRY APARTMENT 2 BATHROOM BATHROOM KITCHEN BEDROOM 2 GROUND FLOOR — 32 — KITCHEN LINK BEDROOM 2 PRIVATE DECK MASTER BEDROOM BEDROOM 2 LIFT ENSUITE LIVING ROBE ROBE ENSUITE APARTMENT 5 BATHROOM BATHROOM LINK UTILITY ROBE KITCHEN DINING BEDROOM 4 / STUDY BEDROOM 3 LEVEL ONE — 33 — 5% THE LOCATION Mt Eden is one of the premier suburbs in Auckland. Mt Eden village is a charming character shopping area, with boutique shops and a wide selection of top-quality cafés, restaurants and gourmet food and wine stores within easy walking distance. Auckland’s CBD, Newmarket and the motorway are only minutes away. Some of Auckland’s most prestigious schools are within zone, including Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girl’s Grammar School. Mt Eden itself is an extinct volcano offering many walking tracks and panoramic views of the city from its summit. Sports fans will appreciate having Eden Park, New Zealand’s most iconic national sports stadium, just down the road. — 37 — SIR GEORGE GREY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, AUCKLAND LIBRARIES, 4-4632 ABOVE: VIEW FROM MT EDEN (1931). THE CHAMBERS AND STATION BUILDINGS STANDING OUT AMONGST THE VILLAS OF MT EDEN. RIGHT: MT EDEN VILLAGE, SEEN FROM MAUNGAWHAU. — 38 — ET ST Y LE ST AN STR EEN RE EET ID PARNELL E AUCKLAND CITY HOSPITAL FT RA T D ••••••• •••••••••• ••••••••••••• •••• H A M •••••• C B ••• AC E NOSH GR AN UE GE A DW AY KS AR EY R OA D MT EDEN MEDICA L CENTRE R OA D EPSO — 39 — RE AT SO UT H RO A DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS M AV E MT ST JOHN DOMAIN AUCKLAND NORMAL INTERMEDIATE D IS R HENL ST L UKE S BRO M MT EDEN VILLAGE SHOPS AD UE ST STOK ES ROAD RO G G IL L D S AV EN K AU R OA D OW EN O SR AD MANU •••• ••• N E D T ••• T TE RR M R S AV E EPSOM GIRL’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL EDEN GARDENS R OA SPEC MT EDEN E RE D PRO MEREDITH’S MT EDEN DOMAIN ALPE E D MT EDEN BALMORAL M RD DE R OA ANA Y RO A ••••••••••••••••• •••• & S T ••• ••• R S A AC E GOVERNMENT HOUSE MT E D P R IM E N N O R ARY M SCH AL O OL E NEWMARKET IE S A VENU EDE Q UA N RTER ESPL D MT E DE PO O N L VA L L E HUR S T STRE E R OAD D YA R YN W N RO AD IN IO D OM UE R OA O AY RW D AV EN D •••••••••••••••• ••• •••• ••• I O N T TERR LWO O EVUE M TO D N AD M RO AD ET D RO BELL R OA ER IN GHA R OA M O U N TA V IE W TH AD D R IN RE ON GO R E R OA D C R OW U AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL RO SAN ST RT D E DEN T BEL ST A LBA N PA S S N R OA MT REE RT H SO ST RS R OA EDEN PARK NLEY L EL N BER W ES KHY O ND EW NO KINGSLAND BUR AY R PA R C A R LT FRENCH CAFE EDEN TERRACE RO AD G AUCKLAND DOMAIN GRAFTON H BO N WA LT E AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM O N G AD BR RO N D RW AY R OA TO O M O DS RE TO N G RN FT ON NEW TE RA SYM O RT GREY LYNN G STR D A RO N E RO AD H SO HAP NEWTON N I AM E AT W I LL NU NGA EET KARA E AV CBD QU D HE PB R OA UR PIT T ST RE ET BY NS TR SON EET PON PONSONBY AELI STRE ET RA RO AD THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS LATE 1940S, WITH PORCH ADDED TO FRONT OF BUILDING THE CHAMBERS HISTORY Mt Eden became a ‘borough’ in 1906 and the Mt Eden Borough Council was formed. In the early Edwardian era when Auckland’s civic buildings were rapidly developing the Mt Eden Borough Council commissioned the municipal chambers. The building was officially opened in March 1913 by Mayor Oliver Nicholson. It was accessed from the north through a set of stone steps leading to double doors opening to a vestibule and a hallway. A rate collector’s room sat to the east of the hallway. An open staircase rose to the first floor where the Council Chambers room stretched the full width of the building and a committee room extended to the rear. The Chambers has high architectural significance, boasting an impressive ornate interior with a soaring arched ceiling and decorative plasterwork on the columns and wall panelling. In 1940 the building was enlarged by about a third on the western side. — 40 — SIR GEORGE GREY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, AUCKLAND LIBRARIES, 31-WPSCH5 THE MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS WERE OFFICIALLY OPENED IN MARCH 1913 BY MT EDEN BOROUGH MAYOR OLIVER NICHOLSON. SEEN HERE IN HIS MASONIC REGALIA, MAYOR NICHOLSON HELD THE MAYORALTY OF THE BOROUGH FROM AUGUST 1906 TO JUNE 1918. ORIGINAL HAND DRAWN PLANS (1910) — 41 — MT EDEN, 1930-1939 THE FIRE STATION LATE 1940S, WITH PORCH ADDED TO FRONT OF CHAMBERS BUILDING THE STATION HISTORY After the First World War, expansion of the new borough gathered pace again, and demand for amenities grew to match. A new fire station was commissioned to improve the effectiveness of fire fighting in the area. It was designed by Australian-born architect, A. Sinclair O’Connor, and built alongside the chambers building in 1924. The fire station’s external plaster details reflect the architectural style of the neighbouring municipal chambers. The east facade is of high significance due to its decorative plaster finishes. — 42 — SIR GEORGE GREY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, AUCKLAND LIBRARIES, AWNS-19330621-37-2 THE FIRE STATION PRE-1940 SIR GEORGE GREY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, AUCKLAND LIBRARIES, AWNS-19331004-41-1 The site was further extended in 1940. The fire station ceased operating MEN OF THE AUCKLAND CITY BRIGADE AT PRACTICE USING THE LATEST FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES (1933) in 1970, after which the two buildings were connected by a link. The council offices were made redundant in 1989 when the borough council was absorbed by the Auckland City Council. — 43 — ABOVE: 1924 ARCHITECTURAL PLANS SHOWING PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE FIRE STATION BUILDING — 44 — EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE CRAF TSMANSHIP Among the early 20th century buildings in Mt Eden, the Council Chambers and Fire Station reflect the suburb’s development, and from the outside are relatively unchanged in their appearance. Both have grand exteriors with ornamental plasterwork including quoins, keystones, shields and ornamental pillars. Inside, both retain character features with generous, light, airy spaces. The rising costs to maintain and upgrade have seen the buildings deteriorate over the past decades. Once dazzling craftsmanship suffered, especially on the inside. In addition, modern building codes have become more stringent to ensure uncompromising standards of seismic, acoustic, thermal comfort and safety performance. To transform the buildings into beautifully detailed luxurious heritage residences equipped with a raft of modern services to meet the requisite codes has been a labour of love. Often tradespeople were forced to deconstruct and then figure out ways to reconstruct. As the design evolved, many true craftsmen have helped return the spaces to their former glory, making them more beautiful and liveable than ever before. — 47 — THE MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS BUILDING Although they were in remarkably good condition, the original sash windows in the Chambers were heavily modified. A mixture of kauri, rimu and matai, the many beautiful native timber window frames and sash windows were removed to be retro-fitted with double glazing. The windows had to be routed out from the original joinery and rebated to create an air seal to ensure warmth and acoustic insulation. Mullions were planted onto the double glazing to give the appearance of smaller panes to improve the acoustic and thermal performance. Just to fit and re-install each window took many more hours. Much work has also gone into ensuring the original solid fibrous plaster work is stable. Building methods used in the early 20th century are no longer used. Everything had to be checked and repaired. In the Council Chambers room where the walls were covered in plaster mouldings, retrofitting with services, patching and replicating the original mouldings to create a seamless appearance has been another challenge. — 48 — THE STATION BUILDING Steelguard were responsible for restoring the original 100-year-old steel windows in the Station, together with their hinges and hardware. The steel windows were then re-glazed with acoustic laminate glass to meet the required acoustic performance and the thermal performance was achieved by framing and insulating the inside of the double brick exterior to completely envelop the building in insulation. — 49 — — 50 — KEY CHALLENGES Unlocking the heritage site revealed multiple challenges. Firstly, these are The next challenge on a relatively small site where the two original buildings heritage listed buildings, so careful consideration had to made as to which covered most of the land was to fit both parking and landscaping. This was high-value heritage items were design constraints and could not be changed. achieved by constructing a semi-basement carpark structure with a green From there it was a process of stripping out the past 60 or 70 years of minor roof landscape on top. Because the ground in Mt Eden is largely volcanic alterations that were not adding heritage value so the true original features basalt rock, excavation was far from easy, and it was difficult to fit the of the building could be uncovered, repaired and taken advantage of. required number of carparks into the space available. The new building was As part of this, the buildings were assessed for their seismic performance as being only at 33% of the current building code so extensive structural upgrading was required to reach the target 100% code compliance. The constructed on the site’s boundary, so had to fit under height-in-relation-toboundary constraints. These design constraints were pushed to the limit to minimise rock breaking. heritage and seismic works had to be considered in parallel with the various Internally each unit had to meet the building code for thermal, fire and configurations possible to yield a feasible quantity and scale of apartments acoustic performance. Extensive design consideration had to be made to that fit the existing structure, new seismic structure and the ceiling heights. bring each unit up to code without impacting the heritage value of original Early on it was decided that the fire station and council chambers should be joined together with a link building which housed a lift and access stairs to each floor. This unlocked the buildings to work together as one apartment complex but added challenges of fitting stairs and lifts into a tall narrow space that had to appear to be connected but still allow two different building structures to perform in an earthquake. windows, ornate ceilings and the timber floor construction which included exposed timber and concrete columns and beams. To meet thermal and acoustic performance standards we used re-glazing techniques, and any new window joinery required was carefully made to match the original using current materials. We largely followed the original structure when laying out the units. However In addition to this each building has a very different look and feel, so the design of the link building had to complement both buildings without this constrained the sizes of some rooms – bathrooms, for example – which required particularly careful consideration. becoming the focus. This was achieved by constructing it largely out of As fresh issues arose during construction we adopted a best- for-project glass which creates a dry, well-lit space but doesn’t hide any of the features approach. The outcome would once again be a landmark building in a of each building. prestigious neighbourhood and something we could all be very proud of. — 51 — Developer PROJECT TEAM Templeton Limited is a boutique developer focused on bespoke, design-led projects. These range from luxury homes to heritage restorations to new inner city apartment complexes. Templeton places great emphasis on quality sites, and is willing to wait for the right site to become available. This can be seen in the site of N X N, with its unique cul-de-sac position leading directly to Nixon Park. The company also looks to work with innovative architects whose agenda is a new architecture for New Zealand. The company is led by developer, Nigel McKenna, whose 50-plus completed projects include Lighter Quay, Beaumont Quarter and the Viaduct Harbour Waterfront. The latter project gave us The Sebel Hotel along with the waterfront dining precinct, including Soul Bar & Restaurant. A huge team of people have been involved on this project for several years to bring Chambers & Station back to life. The magnificent result stands testament to everyone involved. Development Manager Development Advisory Services Limited (DASL) is an independent property development advisory consultancy based in Auckland, New Zealand. The primary focus of the company is the provision of creative but economically-based development advice from an independent and experienced perspective. Property development is a complex business and requires a wide range of expertise to research, design, cost, analyse and ultimately consent, contract, construct and deliver. DASL has senior experienced personnel with expertise in a range of specialist areas including demographic analysis, project finance, valuation, consent planning, contract negotiation and construction. DASL have provided a range of development advisory services to government, institutional and private sector clients. Architect & Interior Design A Studio Architects is a boutique architecture and design practice, specialising in residential and development design. As well as the concept design, A Studio was responsible for the interior fit out of Chambers & Station. Their emphasis throughout the project has been on using honest materials of lasting quality and enduring appeal. They have worked extensively in this field and their experience includes large private residences, lodges and heritage buildings. — 52 — Main Contractor Services Engineer Watts & Hughes are a nation wide construction management company with over 30 years experience in the industry, with a commitment to quality and client satisfaction. W & H were appointed the main contractor to complete the high end construction of Chambers & Station. Established in 1959 Norman Disney & Young (NDY) are one of New Zealand’s leading firms of consulting engineers with a global presence. NDY were responsible for Chambers & Station’s building services design. Conservation Architect Surveyor Origin Consultants (formally Jackie Gillies + Associates) are passionate about heritage and dedicated to the conservation and creative re-use of historic buildings. Origin Consultants had an ongoing advisory role in the assessment of the historic buildings and integration of the historic building details with the architectural design of Chambers & Station. Calibre Consulting is a leading provider of professional infrastructure and built environment solutions across a wide range of markets. In New Zealand, the business operates from eight offices and provides civil, structural and transport engineering, water and environmental design, surveying, asset management and project management services. Calibre Consulting is a member company of Calibre Group. Planning Consultant Interior Consultant Tattico provides specialist advice on governance and advocacy, resource management and regulatory planning, strategy, policy, project direction and management. Tattico have guided Chambers & Station through the resource consent process. Macintosh Harris are one of the country’s most established design practices, specializing in high end residential interiors. Known for their classic approach to design and understated elegance, Chambers & Station reflects the quality projects that epitomise their design ethics. Structural Engineer Lawyer Brown & Thomson Consulting Engineers oversaw the seismic upgrade of the Chambers & Station historic buildings, and engineered the new building components of the project. Steindle Williams Legal is a legal practice with particular expertise in property development work. Working closely with Development Advisory Services Limited and other professionals we are proud to have been a part of this development. Our work for Chambers & Station has included the preparation and assisting with negotiation of pre-sale contracts and the unit title subdivision of the development. — 53 — SUBCONTRACTORS SUPPLIERS Ward Demolition BlueRock Civil Construction Asphaltech Ltd Tiger Building Group Nauhria Stresscrete Stresscrete Auckland Cranes SunBuild CF King Sable Engineering Papakura Joinery Nulook Kumeu Steelguard Asphaltech Ltd Requisite NZ Louvretec Ecoplus Tiger Building Group Papakura Joinery NZFD Sopers Macindoe Central Joinery Lester Drainage Woods Glass Heron Plumbing No Shock Electrical Soundcraft 2007 Limited Air Action Systems Argus Fire Service Systems Schindler DFS Construction 100% Flooring Hardwood Technology Artifex Flooring Limited Cover Up Dynamics APT Group DFS Construction Ubique Services Limited SunBuild Living Flame Mace Contracting AGB Stone Applico Auckland Drapes Boston Wardrobes Cavalier Bremworth Equus Industries European Ceramics Franklin’s Heatpump City Heatpump Covers Kitchen Things Legrand Lighthouse Living Flame Louvretec Mr Ralph Murano Plus Resene Robertsons Sharp Decorating Demolition Excavation/Earthworks Tanking Concrete Reinforcing PC Panels PC Floors PC Erect/Prop Mastic Sealant Masonry Structural Steel External Timber Joinery External Aluminium Joinery External Steel Joinery Membrane Roofing Metalwork Louvres Insulation Carpentry Internal Doors Fire/Smoke Doors Hardware Joinery Drainage Glazing Plumbing Electrical Data/Security Mechanical Fire Services Lifts Gib Flooring - carpet Flooring - hardwood Flooring - hardwood STO/Plaster Tiling Painting Equus Painting Intumescent Painting Fireplaces Hard Landscaping — 54 — Benchtops Appliances Drapes Wardrobes Carpet Paint Systems Stone Tiles Bathware Heatpumps Heat pump covers Appliances Lighting Automation Lighting Fireplaces Louvre Structures Lighting Specialists Lighting Paints Bathware Wallpaper  DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Nigel McKenna One of the most experienced development consultants in New Zealand, Nigel McKenna is renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to achieve quality results within commercial budgets and programmes. Nigel’s enthusiasm for innovation and his ability to identify opportunities others would consider too complex, or simply unattainable, has identified him as a leading light at the forefront of better management and urban planning. With a first class honours degree in Construction Economics, construction engineering and building management qualifications, and a globe-spanning 25-year career, Nigel has a reputation for managing diverse teams and specialised projects. His work is known for its focus on design, ensuring the finished product is both functional and viable. Nigel has received in excess of 20 individual awards from a range of organisations from the Institute of Architects and the Property Council for projects that he has been responsible for at a senior development level. These projects include Dockside and Shed 5 in Wellington, Beaumont Quarter, North and Stratis at Lighter Quay, The Quadrant Hotel to name but a few. These are testimony to his attention to detail and his ability to achieve quality results within the framework of commercial budgets and programs. — 55 — — CONTACT — www.templetongroup.co.nz phone + 64 9 377 0333 email info@templeton.co.nz Level 5, 48 Courthouse Lane Wellesley Street Auckland PO Box 5908 Auckland 1141 — CHAMBERS & STATION — 64 VALLEY ROAD, MT EDEN