| 65 T T Kim Newth Infusing architecture with creativity in Whanganui The Stevenson’s Apartments have made the shortlist in this year’s Western Architecture Awards. Drawingroom Architecture ARCHITECTURE Over the past decade, Whanganui’s Drawingroom Architecture has built a reputation for transforming spaces with lateral thinking and bespoke creative design. Exemplifying their vision is a unique project in Whanganui’s heritage precinct, the Stevenson’s Apartments, which has made the shortlist in this year’s Western Architecture Awards. The six new apartments have given a new lease of life to a previously dilapidated 1921 two-storeyed masonry building. Called Stevenson’s Building, it was named after James Stevenson, a prominent civic figure in nineteenth century Whanganui. It forms part of a heritage block that also includes Stevenson’s Store/Ridgway Chambers. Under the ownership of local dentist and former district councillor Hadleigh Reid, the whole block has been seismically strengthened and transformed to bring much-needed vibrancy to the downtown area. “Before doing the Stevenson’s Apartments project last year, we worked with the same client on Ridgway Chambers,” explains Elinor McDouall of Drawingroom Architecture. “That’s now a gallery with apartments above and has been a great success. We’ve just finished the last two buildings in the block as commercial/hospitality premises, with one now operating as a sour dough bakery and the other as a dessert bar. “It means we now have people living in what was the dead heart of Whanganui and they can pop downstairs for a coffee and a sandwich. “With people living downtown, it feels much safer - it’s so cool. Not all projects play to your personal beliefs as well as this one has. We’re very proud of it.” When Drawingroom Architecture was first commissioned to help transform the block, the old buildings were “utterly decrepit” with leaky roofing, rotten boards and pigeons roosting inside. Today, Stevenson’s Apartments look smart and charming, boasting beautiful functional spaces and a pleasing blend of old and new elements. “While there wasn’t much heritage detailing left, we kept what we could. The balance is quite modern but we styled it to be classic and to work well with the features we could expose. One of the apartments even has a kitchen built inside a strongroom that was once used as a safe for storing documents. It has thick, reinforced concrete walls. You can still see the original concrete and brickwork but the kitchen is completely modern.” Elinor’s career as an architect spans more than 20 years. Since launching Drawingroom Architecture in 2014, she and her small team have built a reputation as creative thinkers, with a track record of adaptive re-use projects that have enlivened Whanganui’s CBD. Past projects include a new fitout for the town’s iconic Sarjeant Gallery and revitalisation of the Whanganui Public Library. The team works across most facets of architecture, design and interiors, including new home architecture. Elinor’s most memorable project involved transforming a near century old fishing boat beside the Whanganui River, the Iona, into a tiny house that is now regularly leased out as holiday accommodation. Ingenious and enchanting, the Iona represents Elinor’s creativity at its most playful. “It was very challenging but a lot of fun too. The upcycled materials used were sourced from other local building projects. What I seek to explore in my work is joy, light, pattern and materiality to create real living architecture.” Coming up next for her is a project to design a restaurant, also in Whanganui’s heritage precinct. “The upcycled materials used were sourced from other local building projects. What I seek to explore in my work is joy, light, pattern and materiality to create real living architecture.” Wanganui’s Award Winning Building Contractors 33 Wilson Street, Wanganui | Ph: 06 347 7007 info@shanestonebuilders.co.nz www.shanestonebuilders.co.nz As a Licensed Building Practioner and registered members of the Master Builders Association our work is of the highest standard and the client is assured of the Master Builders guarantee of quality workmanship. New Homes, Clever Living Homes, Commercial Alterations, Bathrooms and decks. Master Builders R e g i s t e r e d LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONERS Building confidence DEVON ELECTRICAL LTD New, Alterations, Additions & Renovations Service and Maintenance • Fire and Security Commercial & Domestic • IQP Registered Proud to Support Drawingroom Architecture & Interiors 06 3445316 • devonelec@xtra.co.nz
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