Project Description & Client Brief

Presented with a 2-storey 1980's commercial building with seismic issues, an empty upper level office space, and a desire to provide much needed rental apartments for the city, this project was destined to present an adventure. Throw in the non-negotiable requirement for the long-term tenancies on the ground floor to remain fully operational and open throughout, and an existing building boxed in with a single access point and no room to move. This project allowed us to push for the reuse of the existing fabric, and utilise the seismic upgrades to insert the 4x new apartments complete with rooftop terraces, built around the existing central common stairwell.

Site & Context

Located within the hospitality area of Hardy Street in central Nelson, the existing 1980's 2-storey building fully occupies its site with precast walls to 3 sides and a single primary frontage to the street. The ground floor is occupied by long-term tenancies of a restaurant and food market, while the upper level offices have been empty for 5+ years. This end of Hardy Street has become a busy hospitality precinct, including popular bars and restaurants across the road and on the neighboring sites, while located on the site behind is the Quest serviced apartments.

Shortlisted for NZIA Nelson Marlborough Local Architecture Awards 2024

Photographer | Virginia Woolf Photography

Contractor | Scott Construction

Structural Engineer | Vector Structural Engineers

Joiner | Waimea West Joinery