Historic from the front and contemporary from
the back, this church-conversion project turned
a Petone landmark into three homes without sacrificing the building’s special character.

In the coastal suburb of Petone/Pito One, Wellington, a historic church dating back to 1883 has undergone a transformative revival. Deemed an earthquake risk in 2013, the church was purchased by a local resident with a vision of rejuvenation. The owner’s goal was to respect and restore the original building’s character, while adapting it for modern living. However, the original structure was in such disrepair that reconstruction had to begin from the ground up. Only the roof trusses and some ceiling panels could be salvaged.

Led by Grant Clarke of Moore Design, the project has restored the church’s character while converting it into three luxury residences. The rebuild not only preserved the heritage value of the church, it also incorporated modern materials, notably from James Hardie, to ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.

“The client was interested in restoring the character of the church and transforming it into three luxury residences using innovative materials, which would be an ode to the original building and ensure it would last another century or so,” explains Grant Clarke. “He was very influenced by the restoration of heritage sites in Auckland. Therefore, we were engaged to restore the bulk of the building into these three dwellings, whilst maintaining the structure and materiality of the church.”

Adhering to Heritage New Zealand’s policies, the front facade of the building was meticulously recreated to mirror the original church’s structure, material nature and form. This included intricate facade details and timber shiplap cladding, sized according to historical photographs.

For the rear of the building, a more contemporary approach was permitted. Here, Stria™ Cladding by James Hardie was selected and painted in Aalto Freehold from the New Zealand Historic Colours range. The vertical alignment of the Stria™ Cladding created a visual juxtaposition with the traditional front facade, offering a blend of heritage and modernity. This choice not only enhanced the aesthetic contrast, but also provided practical benefits, such as protection from coastal sea spray and ease of maintenance.

The careful selection of materials and design elements has resulted in a project that stands out as a significant revival of a historic building. The use of Stria™ Cladding by James Hardie played a crucial role in achieving the desired look and functionality. The rear extension complements the traditional aesthetic of the street-facing elevation, while standing as a testament to innovative architectural solutions.