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A prominent Devonport house and original stables allowed to deteriorate over years to a state of near ruin. The house was constructed with 350mm  thick unreinforced concrete rubble exterior walls with kauri framed internal walls and roof construction.

A reinforced concrete terrace with a water tank underneath was built to the eastern end of the original house and a kitchen, dining, laundry and bathroom were built to the western end, also of reinforced concrete including the roof.

The new construction offered refuge from any damage caused by an earthquake such that the original rubble walls could remain as they were.

The stables building was rebuilt and added too where the original construction couldn’t be saved.

A corrugated steel barn was built to help enclose a large garden created by the new owner.

A controversial remake of two ruins (including new structure) and a new building all of which excited considerable public debate.

Photographer: Alistair Guthrie 

gra - geoff richards architects
Auckland
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Professionals used in
The Castle

About the
Professional

gra is a small practice that has completed large and small architectural commissions inside and outside New Zealand. The projects extend across the housing, accommodation, education and hospitality sectors. We are experienced in working closely with clients and consultants to ensure the smooth delivery of high quality buildings.

Our concern is to produce well researched, imaginative, intelligent, sensitive and workable solutions to architectural problems. We have the skills and experience to make a significant difference to the outcomes for clients as they move to achieve their architectural aspirations.

We continue to develop our philosophy to ensure our buildings are contemporary, environmentally aware, and sensitive to their landscape and locality. 

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.