78 | ARCHITECTURE Ignite - LT McGuinness: Botanical Gardens Begonia House ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 04 586 5518 Structural Steel | Seismic Strengthening Proudly Supporting LT McGuinness Joint forces preserving Wellington icon Ignite is part of the team delivering the refurbishment of the heritage glasshouse at Wellington Botanic Gardens. T T Kelly Deeks “The whole project has been driven by people wanting to do the best they can for Wellington.” The restoration of Wellington’s iconic Begonia House is proving that when community determination, smart design and industry collaboration come together, even a project once destined for demolition can be given a new lease of life. Ignite is part of the team delivering the refurbishment of the heritage glasshouse at Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā, working alongside LT McGuinness and a range of project partners to transform one of the capital’s best-loved visitor attractions. Ignite director Michael O’Brien says the project represents far more than the restoration of a building. It is about preserving an important piece of Wellington’s history while creating a more resilient, efficient, and welcoming destination for future generations. Originally opened in 1960 after being donated by Lady Norwood and her family, the Begonia House has been extended several times and today houses rare tropical and temperate plant collections. However, ageing infrastructure, deteriorating glazing, and outdated environmental systems had reached the point where Wellington City Council initially considered demolishing the building. “The original estimate to restore it was about $30 million, so demolition became the Council’s preferred option,” Michael says. “But the community rallied behind it because this is one of Wellington’s most-visited attractions and people couldn’t imagine losing it.” The Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden led a campaign to save the building, supported by residents, businesses and volunteers. Michael says even his own family became involved, with his daughter helping manage social media to engage younger Wellingtonians and demonstrate the importance of preserving the landmark. As momentum grew, LT McGuinness approached the council with a practical solution. Working closely with Ignite and the wider project team, the company developed a refurbishment programme that would retain the existing structure while replacing the glazing, upgrading building services, and improving energy efficiency for around $11 million. “The whole project has been driven by people wanting to do the best they can for Wellington,” Michael says. “Many organisations are contributing at cost or on reduced margins because they believe in what this project means for the city.” The refurbishment extends well beyond replacing glass. Heating, ventilation, and environmental controls are being modernised to provide more stable growing conditions for the internationally significant plant collection, while visitor facilities including the café, kitchen, education space, and public amenities are also being upgraded. One of the biggest challenges has been relocating almost 1800 plant species while construction takes place. The Wellington Gardens horticultural team carefully removed the plants and established temporary nurseries to protect the collection before work began. “The garden’s staff have been incredible,” Michael says. “Some plants could be lifted and replanted, while others needed to remain in place until the right time. There has been an enormous amount of planning behind the scenes.” The project also includes improved landscaping around the Begonia House, with new seating, lighting, and upgraded walkways connecting visitors to the neighbouring Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Construction remains on schedule, with sections of the site reopening progressively before the fully refurbished Begonia House welcomes visitors back in 2027. For Ignite, the project perfectly reflects the practice’s commitment to creating places that strengthen communities while respecting heritage. “It is rare to work on a project where everyone is united by the same purpose. This has truly been a project built for the love of Wellington,” Michael says.
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