78 | BUILDING Bushnell Builders: Silky Otter T T Virginia Wright Iconic Sumner cinema transformed Christchurch’s Bushnell Builders, a proud family-run business, recently completed the complex refurbishment of Sumner’s iconic Hollywood Theatre. Working within the original building, and retaining its façade, they transformed the 50-year-old movie theatre into a Silky Otter cinema offering a boutique movie-going experience complete with modern finishes, and state-of-the-art laser projection, explains managing director Brad Austin. “Having an existing building to work with is always challenging and in this case we were working through how to keep the original features while doing all the strengthening it needed and getting that more modern, luxury, new age feeling. We worked closely with the project manager Andy Wilkinson, MAP Architects and the clients Hamish and Karen Doig all the way through.” Everyone involved knew a build like this meant a lot of unknowns, but their shared values and expectations, and the built-in transparency around variables they knew would inevitably come up underpinned the success of the project. Consultation with the Doigs and with Silky Otter around both the exterior finish and some of the interior components was the norm, especially regarding the specific commercial needs in keeping with the Silky Otter brand, without losing that sense of history. “We were careful to preserve the feeling of that iconic front façade with its signage, combining the original features with a modern plaster finish,” says Brad. Having stripped it back to a shell, Bushnell Builders then built three independent cinemas, with a commercial kitchen on the newly created mezzanine floor, along with a bar. Knowing the importance of acoustics for a cinema audience, Bushnells took the initiative to work closely with TM Consulting, MAP Architects and an acoustic engineer to ensure the acoustic standards were met. The result means the high-end, modern interior fit-out is supported by hi-spec black acoustic paneling with LED lighting, replacing the old acoustic curtains to isolate and contain the audio of each cinema. With both the level of acoustic isolation and the amount of structural strengthening that went into the new building far exceeding what’s expected in a normal commercial application, Bushnell Builders are confident this newly refurbished cinema will be offering movies in Silky Otter’s distinctive luxury style for another 50 years. Bushnell Builders has built a reputation over nearly 50 years of successful construction and is now led by Brad Austin, with father Lance Austin still involved – the father-andson team bringing decades of combined experience to the company. Lance has long been a part of the Bushnell story, while Brad began his career with the team as an apprentice, later moving from the tools into a project manager role before becoming the managing director. Unsurprisingly, the Austins share similar values and goals when it comes to leading the company. “It’s about quality and continual improvement, which doesn’t mean expanding, but is about keeping our focus on transparency, which is critical in construction,” says Brad. “We believe in maintaining open communication throughout each project, having regular meetings with clients, as well as engineers and architects, which keeps everyone accountable. “Our goal is to ensure clients have a clear understanding of the construction process at every stage, including progress updates, potential risks, and key developments.” 03 344 5972 | bushnell.co.nz Transforming your space with high-quality craftsmanship & attention to detail. Your trusted Mapei supplier for premium advice and tile installation solutions. Rob@emeraldtile.co.nz | +6422 674 1785 Tile showroom: 422 Tuam st, Phillipstown www.emeraldtile.co.nz
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