Church of the Holy Innocents
By DPA Architects
The Church of the Holy Innocents dates from 1868-1869 and is believed to be designed by Edward Ashworth, in the Gothic Revival style.
Construction of the church was undertaken by the eminent Christchurch stonemason, William Brassington, who used greywacke boulders from the Rangitata River to build the walls of the church. Hand shaped Mt Somers limestone blocks were used for the quoins and window surrounds, contrasting with the greywacke walls. The belfry was designed by Emily Acland.
DPA Architects were appointed by the Christchurch Anglican Church Property Trustees to oversee the restoration and structural upgrading of the building. The seismic upgrading work was designed by Ruamoko Solutions of Christchurch.
The major work involved the near complete reconstruction of the east wall including the limestone Gothic window. The stained-glass window was completely shattered in the earthquakes as the window collapsed. It has since been carefully reconstructed by Stewart Stained Glass.
Other work to the exterior of the building included repointing of the stonework with lime mortar. Limestone reveals around the windows were also repaired and repointed and the walls were consolidated with a lime based grout. Inside the church, the walls were replastered and painted. The timber work was refurbished.
The project was the recipient of a Silver Award in the Heritage/Restoration Category at the recent New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, 2018.
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Church of the Holy Innocents
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About the
Professional
DPA Architects was founded by Dave Pearson in 1996 with the aim of providing clients with expertise in heritage architecture.
Since that time, DPA Architects has become one of New Zealand’s foremost architectural practices specialising in that area. The practice continues to strive for excellence in architecture and seeks to provide the best possible outcome for its clients.
DPA Architects has also developed a high level of technical expertise through involvement with a large number of projects ranging from large commercial projects to small domestic alterations. Projects have included restaurants, churches, educational facilities, town halls, railway stations, dwellings, historic military buildings, museums, theatres, office buildings, community facilities, cemeteries, old hotels, and courthouses.
The practice has been closely involved with the Christchurch rebuild since the earthquakes in 2010-2012. As a result, we have developed considerable understanding of building behaviour during earthquakes as well as extensive experience in retrofitting buildings to resist seismic forces.
Heritage buildings are often required to meet current design standards. DPA Architects are experienced in the upgrading of these buildings including the provision of disabled access.
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