A LEGACY RESTORED
An incredibly significant Clyde Road renovation results in a multi-purpose hub, empowered to carry on education, house history, and to continue to tell the integral story of Kate Sheppard herself.
WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Ryan McDonald BUILDER LOC Construction
Protecting a Category 1 heritage building such as Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House is not a responsibility taken lightly. LOC Construction chose to take on the heavy mantle of this challenge with gusto.
In August of last year, the revival of the house began, with a decision made to complete the project in two stages.
The design of the renovation was impeccable and required high-quality workmanship to tie in with the original structure. Enter LOC Construction.
The first stage of the project involved restoring the front of the house, which meant refreshing the rooms to allow for the new display areas. The home hosts a modern museum, educational zones, and event spaces.
Framing the front of the house is an expansive deck, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
All original fabric in the house had to be carefully conserved, and any artefacts inspected and recorded. This meant the process of the job was methodical and measured but was indeed incredibly important in restoring the character of the house. Even large garden shrubs were considered and worked around as much as possible.
The second stage involved opening up the back area of the home to become a multi-use area suitable for events and learning spaces.
LOC company director Tom O’Connell and site foreman Sam Hack worked closely with the architects, historians and the clients, Heritage New Zealand, throughout the project. All of Tom’s construction team were able to work at the site at different times during the renovation, meaning they all enjoyed the beautiful garden setting over the summer months.
Tom mentions that LOC Construction was proud to have worked on this project at a busy time, where a variety of jobs were on the cards.
“It was satisfying working through challenges in front of us. Our team of tradesmen love the variety of work we are able to produce. At the time of completing work on this historic home, we were also working on an architectural new build. It made it clear to me that all projects need the same level of care and quality work, and we really pride ourselves on being able to move the team between diverse projects seamlessly.”
This particular project meant close collaboration with the Heritage New Zealand team during the parts of demolition.
Tom describes the team at Heritage as ‘very knowledgeable’, and LOC Construction liaised regularly with the project manager and architect.
Tom says the entire team are proud that their work in part has now been recognised, with the Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House winning the Canterbury Heritage Supreme Award at the recent Box 112 Canterbury Heritage Awards.
“All of the new additions tie in well with the original style of the house while making it a much more usable space. We were privileged to be part of this amazing project and see the work that Heritage New Zealand do first hand.”