By DPA Architects
DPA Architects have been appointed by the Christchurch Anglican Church Property Trustees to oversee the restoration and structural upgrading of some 20 heritage churches in the Christchurch region following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
The foundation stone for St Barnabas Anglican Church, Fendalton, was laid in 1925 by Archbishop Julius. The stone church is the largest of Cecil Wood’s Arts and Crafts Churches. Carvings by Frederick Gurnsey are also included in the church.
The church sustained moderate damage in the Christchurch earthquakes. DPA Architects was commissioned to prepare a conservation plan for the building and was extensively involved in the restoration and structural upgrading of the building. The work was proposed in three separate parcels; the earthquake damage repairs to the building, strengthening of the building to 67% of NBS, and carrying out deferred maintenance. Fire sprinkler and alarm systems were also installed as part of the works.
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.