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.
St Paul's Church, Papanui, involved the restoration and structural upgrading of one of Christchurch’s significant heritage churches. St Paul’s dates from 1887 and was designed by the pre-eminent Christchurch Gothic Revival architect, Benjamin Mountfort.
Work included restoration of interior timber work, re-roofing including laying timber shingles on the tower and providing disabled access and facilities. The project was the recipient of a Christchurch Civic Trust restoration award in 2013.
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.