| 3 Kotahi Engineering Studio - Kilwinning Masonic Lodge T T Hugh de Lacy Lodge restoration an award winner The old Kilwinning Masonic Lodge is a Lyttleton icon. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT It was satisfying enough to have designed the refurbishment of its own head offices from a quake-ravaged historic building, but Lyttelton’s Kotahi Engineering Studio topped the project off by winning a Gold Award for it in this year’s Master Builders Federation’s Commercial Projects Awards. The old Kilwinning Masonic Lodge is a Lytttelton icon – formerly the home and studio of highly regarded artist Bill Hammond, who sold it to the principals of what became Kotahi Engineering in 2015 - though it suffered severe damage in the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes, and was deemed unsafe thereafter. In 2022, Kotahi Engineering took on the task of restoring the handsome old structure and making it home. As well as its new premises in Lyttelton, Kotahi Engineering has offices in Blenheim and Napier, plus a presence in Wanaka, and all offices and their 25 staff work together on the structural and civil engineering projects that are its specialty. It has developed a special relationship with the wine and health industries, designing winery buildings and processes, and designing and overseeing the construction of such major projects as a new private hospital in Hawke’s Bay and the recently completed New World supermarket in Napier. The restoration of the heritage-listed Kilwinning Masonic Lodge as Kotahi Engineering’s home has been the signature project for the company. As well as ensuring the building can stand up to future earthquakes, the refurbishment required retaining key elements of the existing design and style, including the Masonic symbols emblazoned in and on the building, and improving its thermal performance while converting it to functional office space. A boardroom was installed on the ground floor of the two-storey building, with the professional workspaces on the top floor featuring spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour. “Everyone was thrilled to win the Commercial Projects Gold Award: it was a huge undertaking for us but the pay-off is a beautiful building to work in,” Kotahi Engineering’s marketing manager, Jo Leabourn says. “The lodge started out in 1881 as a single-storey brick building that was severely damaged by fire in 1903, after which the classical facade was restored and a second weatherboard storey added. Bill Hammond bought the building in 2000 as his studio and residence, and, to improve the light in his studio, he installed windows on the side walls with panoramic views.” Kotahi Engineering removed sections of the walls and foundations to make way for new foundations and structural walls, and either re-installed or meticulously reconstructed the architectural features. Completed in May last year, the refurbishment included recreating the building’s original paintwork and colour scheme to emulate Oamaru stone. From its handsome home, Kotahi Engineering produces engineering designs for a range of major clients across the whole market spectrum, from high-end residential to large-scale commercial projects. Its spread of offices between the two main islands allows it take up projects throughout the country, with the company’s goal - “To be the premier engineers in New Zealand’s wine districts.” He Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Equipment Supply, Ice Banks, Water/Glycol Chillers, at Recovery Branches Nationwide Christchurch Support Office www.activerefrigeration.co.nz Email: info@activerefrig.co.nz Phone: (03) 339 2617 Energy Efficient Engineering, 24 Hour Service, Design Build, Preventative Maintenance, Supply & Installation Proud to support Kotahi Engineering Studio For all your plumbing needs, backed by 60 years of experience. PO Box 5488 Papanui, Christchurch murray@gbondltd.co.nz 027 488 0652 P L U M B E R S Representing Excellence Master Plumbers christchurch@teamarchitects.co.nz
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