78 | ARCHITECTURE Weir Architecture Integrity in Design Quoin Structural Consultants www.quoin.co.nz Level 2, 138 Victoria Street Christchurch 8013 03 968 4925 Quoin endeavour to be an integral part of your design process and to generate greater value for your building development. Our fast, flexible, friendly team develops building design solutions of precision and excellence. Proudly Supporting Weir Architecture • BALUSTRADES • POOL FENCES • HANDRAILS • WINDBREAKS P: 03 366 5511 www.canterburybalustrade.co.nz Long-awaited makeover completed Weir Architecture developed a design that concealed the existing exterior while modernising its appearance and improving functionality. T T Kelly Deeks Weir Architecture has completed a long-delayed transformation of a prominent Hereford Street building in central Christchurch, delivering a strengthened and repurposed office block after more than a decade of shifting uses, ownership changes, and construction setbacks. Robert Weir says the project has been one of the more complex commercial refurbishments the practice has been involved in, with the building’s future changing several times before settling on its current form. “When we first looked at it, it was going to be turned into a Hilton boutique hotel,” Robert says. “Then Covid came along and the direction changed, and it was sold to another one of our clients.” The client also owns the Crowne Plaza and other significant Christchurch properties and had initially considered a hotel redevelopment before shifting to office use as the stronger long-term investment. “They’ve been purchasing buildings with earthquake issues and repairing and strengthening them,” Robert says. “We’ve done a few projects like that now, including the Crowne Plaza, the nine-storey Latimer apartments, and now this one. These buildings were all part of the ‘dirty 30’.” Originally a 1960s building with an integrated structure, the Hereford Street building required a full rethink of both facade and internal systems. Weir Architecture developed a design that concealed the existing exterior while modernising its appearance and improving functionality. “We looked at multiple façade treatments,” Robert says. “It had some pretty horrible additions on the outside, so we decided to cover all of that up with black cladding and gold fins to disguise the true nature of the building.” Two additional levels were added to the top of the structure, including office space and outdoor decks overlooking Cathedral Square and towards the Convention Centre. A significant part of the work involved earthquake strengthening and new internal structure installation within the existing shell. “We put in new structure from the basement up through six floors of the building,” he says. There was a lot of concrete strengthening to the walls and steel K frames for bracing.” One of the key successes is the increased glazing, particularly on the upper levels, which opens up views towards the Port Hills and across the city. “We put large windows on the top levels to maximise those outlooks.” Robert says the project also reflects a broader shift in central city office demand, with tenants prioritising smaller, more efficient floor plates and shared workspace environments. “We’re seeing more open plan areas, smaller meeting rooms, and even phone booths,” he says. “Everyone wants value for money, and that now means quality design, good amenity, and efficient space.” Weir Architecture, which has operated for about 12 years, works across commercial, residential, and retirement sectors, with increasing activity in aged care developments driven by New Zealand’s ageing population. Robert says Christchurch’s recovery is continuing, but the city still needs more people living and working in the centre to support hospitality and retail growth. “We need more people in town, so it doesn’t just die during the week,” he says. “If we get that right, retail and hospitality will flourish.” He says mixed-use developments combining retail, office, and residential space are likely to play a bigger role in future city design, following models already proven overseas. “It works well in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney,” he says. “It’s only a matter of time before it works here as well.”
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