The project located at 54 - 60 Cuba St consists of two existing masonry buildings next to each which were constructed in the late 19th century. It is one of the most prominent, vibrant streets in the inner Wellington.
The southern building, once owned by T.G. Macarthy, has been left almost completely vacant for a number of years. It is a three story late Victorian commercial building, recognized for its carefully proportioned classical façade and its unusual “lozenge” shaped footprint, classed as a Category 2 Historic Place.
The northern building is also a three story building, also left vacant with a slightly more modest façade, but of a similar footprint and proportion.
The Client, sensitive and aware of the context of the buildings and their heritage values has proposed a sensitive degree of change.
One of the first drives for the design in this case were – contrast and diversity, to interprete the dynamic of the inner city life and its rhythm through the fabric of an existing building.
The project consists of two stages. The first is the adaptive reuse of the existing building fabric, and the second is a potential future development involving the addition of two stories above the existing footprint.
The first stage; the adaptive reuse is a meticulous restoration and structural (earthquake) strengthening of the existing building fabric. Contrasting the heritage fabric of the street facade, the office levels have been transformed into modern, functional open plan work spaces. New services, ceilings, and a connecting stairwell to all levels have been added. The restoration of the vacant upper two stories have ensured a positive contribution to the preservation of Wellington’s character.
The second stage; potential future residential development is proposed above the existing building. This will encourage vertical zoning in the inner city and the rejuvenation of heritage buildings.
Photography by Baptiste Marconnet
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MC Architecture Studio (MCAS) works from an uncompromising commitment to innovative, distinctive design and outstanding client service. Each project is unique and is tailored to the specific challenges of the physical site and the precise functionality required by the client. Sensitivity to the wider potential of design is key to the studio process, incorporating awareness of innovative materials and practices as well as aligning with all sustainable features and methods possible within the context of each project. MCAS works closely and consistently in partnership with clients and consultants, responding to needs and maintaining a global outlook that nurtures industry leadership.
Max was exposed to the foundations of design from an early age and worked at his father’s practice in his native Rome. He completed a Masters in architecture and later established his own practice also in Rome. In 2007 he moved to New Zealand and worked with Athfield Architects before establishing MC Architecture Studio ltd.
Collaboration is a consistent feature of the studio and Max is committed to developing local and international networks to cross-pollinate ideas and maintain his connection and currency with best practice and new conceptual thinking. He strongly believes that interaction develops professionalism and human potential.
Although strongly influenced by European standards, processes and aesthetics, Max takes inspiration from many sources. He has travelled extensively and completed his master’s thesis in India where he explored low cost housing. Inspiration comes also from sports and the natural environment - the ocean and the mountains particularly – as well as music and arts.
Max is passionate about built environments that attract and inspire- whether as a public civic building, a retail space or that most personal of buildings – one’s own home.
- Year founded2009
- ArchiPro Member since2015
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