45 OldStPaul's Restoration © PS
Inside Old St Paul’s showing restored timbers, especially rimu and kauri, at the crossing. Ref Conserving Quality in NZ Timber Design Journal Issue four vol ten 2001. PS
...Cont'd....It had to be brought up to modern standards of safety for long term without destroying its historical associations. Restoration took years of repairs, with much of the building rebuilt. It had had collapsed foundations, rotted and borer-infested woodwork, and was leaking.
First it needed to be rendered watertight, including timberwork, stripping and repainting. Then new foundations were formed in concrete -- not just permanently firm, but jacked to true level when we found this possible without damage. Wall framing and board-and-batten cladding were rebuilt or repaired. Stained-glass windows were removed and remade along with their curvilinear frames. Slate roofing was relaid and matched throughout. And a sprinkler system was built in against fire -- designer-detailed to ensure it remained inconspicuous. An early survey showed the extent of borer damage including live grubs active in timbers. A purpose-made tent was fitted over the outside of the building and filled with poison-gas. Microscopic inspection showed that deep larvae and insects were all killed. Underfloor and other dark spaces were then sprayed with chemical deterrent. Now the light timber structure was tied together at upper levels and bracing incorporated. With all framing showing to articulate the architectural space, it was important to match in inconspicuously -- again the blending of timberwork enabled integrity and organic wholeness. Once the structure was sound, and fire-egresses built in, work began on the interior furnishings. The floor was repaired and polyurethaned, the upper timberwork cleaned down, and the pews rebuilt. Brass fittings added sparkle to the red-brown wood.
The building was then re-opened with restoration work continuing. This revived public interest and the number of public using the building increased. Rewiring and heating proceeded. Multi-function lighting was directly inspired by the timber rhythm to indirectly reveal the spectacular woodwork. It was essential that the lighting should harmonise with the natural glow of quality materials enhancing the architecture.
Later projects included the installation of a specially designed replacement pipe organ involving the careful blending of copper pipes and chamfered timbers to fit in naturally with the historic interior. Another fascinating restoration project was the detailed reconstruction of the old full-circle bell mechanism with its wooden wheels and frame --- set up for proper change-ringing again --- and which can be seen above the entry porch.
It was a pleasure to be architect for this job, and then be awarded a National Tourism Award and the NZ Institute of Architects National Award for the work. The jury’s citation stated “This is a fine example of restoration carried out with world class consistency to a building that is a vital part of New Zealand's heritage.” But more important, Old St Paul’s became the nation’s most visited historic place with thousands of visitors enjoying the creative atmosphere each year. © PS
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Click diagonal arrows upper-right; then press F11 Fullscreen.
.
.
45 OldStPaul's Restoration © PS
Inside Old St Paul’s showing restored timbers, especially rimu and kauri, at the crossing. Ref Conserving Quality in NZ Timber Design Journal Issue four vol ten 2001. PS
...Cont'd....It had to be brought up to modern standards of safety for long term without destroying its historical associations. Restoration took years of repairs, with much of the building rebuilt. It had had collapsed foundations, rotted and borer-infested woodwork, and was leaking.
First it needed to be rendered watertight, including timberwork, stripping and repainting. Then new foundations were formed in concrete -- not just permanently firm, but jacked to true level when we found this possible without damage. Wall framing and board-and-batten cladding were rebuilt or repaired. Stained-glass windows were removed and remade along with their curvilinear frames. Slate roofing was relaid and matched throughout. And a sprinkler system was built in against fire -- designer-detailed to ensure it remained inconspicuous. An early survey showed the extent of borer damage including live grubs active in timbers. A purpose-made tent was fitted over the outside of the building and filled with poison-gas. Microscopic inspection showed that deep larvae and insects were all killed. Underfloor and other dark spaces were then sprayed with chemical deterrent. Now the light timber structure was tied together at upper levels and bracing incorporated. With all framing showing to articulate the architectural space, it was important to match in inconspicuously -- again the blending of timberwork enabled integrity and organic wholeness. Once the structure was sound, and fire-egresses built in, work began on the interior furnishings. The floor was repaired and polyurethaned, the upper timberwork cleaned down, and the pews rebuilt. Brass fittings added sparkle to the red-brown wood.
The building was then re-opened with restoration work continuing. This revived public interest and the number of public using the building increased. Rewiring and heating proceeded. Multi-function lighting was directly inspired by the timber rhythm to indirectly reveal the spectacular woodwork. It was essential that the lighting should harmonise with the natural glow of quality materials enhancing the architecture.
Later projects included the installation of a specially designed replacement pipe organ involving the careful blending of copper pipes and chamfered timbers to fit in naturally with the historic interior. Another fascinating restoration project was the detailed reconstruction of the old full-circle bell mechanism with its wooden wheels and frame --- set up for proper change-ringing again --- and which can be seen above the entry porch.
It was a pleasure to be architect for this job, and then be awarded a National Tourism Award and the NZ Institute of Architects National Award for the work. The jury’s citation stated “This is a fine example of restoration carried out with world class consistency to a building that is a vital part of New Zealand's heritage.” But more important, Old St Paul’s became the nation’s most visited historic place with thousands of visitors enjoying the creative atmosphere each year. © PS
Enlarge
Click diagonal arrows upper-right; then press F11 Fullscreen.
.
.