By DPA Architects
St Bartholemew’s Church was designed by Benjamin Mountfort. The first section which is now the nave, was built on land now known as Darnley Square and opened in 1856. The church was relocated to its present site in 1859-60 and the sanctuary and transepts were added in 1862. St Bartholomew’s is recognised as the oldest surviving church in Canterbury.
DPA Architects were appointed by the Christchurch Anglican Church Property Trustees to repair the damage caused by the earthquakes and remediate any deferred maintenance.
The building had settled over the years and new foundations were required. The distinctive timber framed belfry had decayed over the years and repair extensive work was carried out.
Other work included complete refurbishment of the stained-glass windows and re-oiling of all the internal timber work including trusses timber sarking and joinery trim.
The project was the recipient of a Silver Award in the Heritage/Restoration Category at the recent New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, 2018.
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.