From churches to homes
New Zealanders have converted some unlikely buildings over the years, from a piggery with mummified rats in the roof to a couple of chocolate factories. Bridie Chetwin-Kelly reports.
NZ House & Garden’s 25th anniversary issue took readers for an inspiring walk down memory lane, revisiting some of the conversions it had covered since its launch. Sheds, a piggery, factories – some of the most unlikely buildings have been turned into homes. While there’s nothing new about the idea of repurposing an existing building, turning a less-than-lovely structure into a beautiful dwelling is, perhaps, something we should be doing more of as we look to maximise urban space and reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry.
In central city Auckland, for example, the historic council chambers in Mt Eden were turned into an apartment. Opened originally in 1913 by Mt Eden mayor Oliver Nicholson, it underwent an enlargement in the 1940s.
After a $15 million refurbishment, the building was converted into six luxury apartments in 2016. Former All Black and entrepreneur Marc Ellis was one of the first owners.
Current owner Kate Lane has filled her lock-up-and-leave apartment with her collection of contemporary art.
Another eye-catching conversion is this home in Wairarapa that used to be a chocolate factory. Seeing past the graffiti and pigeons, the owners transformed this building into a home well-suited to displaying antiques, with a bit of a gothic vibe. From the 2014 issue of NZ House &
Garden – and staying with the chocolate theme – is a former Nestle factory in central Auckland. The 1920s building is now a stylish contemporary home.
Exposed beams retain the original factory character.
A piggery just outside Tauranga has also undergone renovation. Purchased more than 40 years ago, the former farm was transformed into a home.
It wasn’t pretty to begin with: 35 mummified rats were discovered in the ceiling but, after a few years, the building was refined and designed to be liveable.
There are also the ever-popular church conversions. With the buildings’ high ceilings and plenty of natural light flooding through stained glass windows, you can see why they’re ripe for re-use.
The former Catholic church opposite is in the middle of King Country in Matiere, which has the population of 50 people. Purchased in the early 80s, it cost $100 to buy – the bird droppings, hay and smashed windows were thrown in for free.