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Situated in a semi-industrial part of Tuam Street in central Ōtautahi sits a 1967 office building, complete with two vast storerooms, one built concurrently and the other in the 1920s. Jill and James Bradley could see that the premises, originally designed by Warren and Mahoney, was something special, but over the years it had become tired and shabby, and the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes had left it structurally unsound.

The pair had the vision and commitment to restore and enhance it, doing most of the labour of the refurbishment themselves. Salvaging all they could, the restored version celebrates those cornerstones of Aotearoa’s own brand of modernism; the concrete block and native rimu timber. 

The resulting space celebrates its 60s heritage, with rimu panelling and bannisters, and open spaces that are lit up by the large windows that stretch the length of the rectangle box. 

While it isn’t heritage-listed, 360 Tuam St is a special part of Christchurch’s architectural history. After the earthquakes, countless buildings like this one were lost, making this lovingly restored 60s gem even more precious. 

Clients: James and Jill Bradley
Field Studio core design team: Andrew Just, Amiria Kiddle, Nick Sargent
Geotechnical engineer: Nick Traylen
Fire & structural engineer: Barry Knowles
Photography: Jonny Knopp 

Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism
Christchurch Central, Canterbury
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St
360 Tuam St

About the
Professional

Field Studio of Architecture and Urbanism is an architectural practice based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Along with residential builds and major commercial projects, we contribute to projects and organisations that have a positive impact on the community. Drawing on our 10 years experience of community development following the Canterbury earthquakes, Field has developed significant experience working on projects that have social, cultural, ecological and values-based purposes.

Our team is diverse, highly skilled, and above all, collaborative. We foster strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, consultants and contractors to enable us to respond effectively to the needs of each project, ultimately achieving high quality architectural outcomes.

Our design process starts with listening to the people involved to better understand the needs of the project. We then integrate and balance these needs and aspirations through different design mediums, ensuring collective understanding and involvement in decision making.

From small-scale residential to major commercial builds, our professional skills and experience means we are able to ensure high quality architecture that is fit for purpose, efficiently and creatively achieved.