Hawke's Bay Opera House

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Designed by Henry Eli White in the Spanish Mission style and originally opened in 1915 as the Hastings Municipal Theatre, the Hawke’s Bay Opera House—recently rebranded to Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre—has a reputation for being one of the
New foundations were required beneath the ground floor foyer, which necessitated the removal of an original tiled floor. New tiles had to be obtained and then laid to replicate the original floor.
New foundations were required beneath the ground floor foyer, which necessitated the removal of an original tiled floor. New tiles had to be obtained and then laid to replicate the original floor.
As much as possible, heritage elements have been retained and enhanced.
Formerly dark and seemingly confined spaces such as the upper and lower foyers have been transformed by a palette of neutrals, contrasting with specially designed carpets with rich red tones and lavishly finished, gold-painted plaster cornices.
“The new colour scheme is quite different to what was there before and we spent quite a bit of time on determining what was appropriate," says Architect Dave Pearson.
Over its 100-plus years, the theatre has undergone a number of modifications and upgrades. Beginning in the late 1990s, a sequence of major restoration works was completed, which included the painting of the theatre’s iconic auditorium ceiling by artist T
Within the auditorium, the goal was to create a rich interior to create a sense of occasion befitting the building’s use as an opera house while still tying in with the existing mural on the ceiling.
“As specialists in heritage architecture, our first priority was to ensure minimal damage was done to the theatre’s historical aspects while the upgrade to the seismic structure of the building was being carried out," says Architect Dave Pearson.
In awarding the project a local NZIA Heritage award, the NZIA Judges said: "The judicious balance of boldness and delicacy has produced a splendid atmosphere that engenders a sense of occasion and provides an outstanding venue for live performance.
DPA Architects worked closely with Holmes Consulting, as the structural engineers, on a plan that meant the not inconsiderable structural upgrade works wouldn’t negatively impact the building’s heritage values.
A significant change to the building  was the provision of a whole new roof form over the top of the original roof. The roof, as existing, had a number of internal gutters which had leaked, affecting the lathe and plaster ceiling in the auditorium.
"As a result [of the works undertaken], not only is the future of this building ensured, its heritage values have also been enhanced," says Architect Dave Pearson.
In the toilets, the scheme was updated but within keeping of the theatre's origins.
In this toilet area the new steel structure has been exposed at ceiling level as evidence of the upgrading/strengthening works that were carried out and which are, in most instances, completely concealed.
In ancillary spaces such as the stairwells, the new concrete shear walls have been left with the imprint of the rough sawn boards that were used as formwork as a reference to original finishes.
In awarding the project a local NZIA Heritage award, the NZIA Judges said: "The revived Hawke's Bay Opera House demonstrates that important heritage buildings can be saved and can have a purposeful new life.”
Repairs, modifications and strengthening work underway following the 1931 earthquake.
DPA Architects' drawings showing the proposed new colour scheme and the existing auditorium mural ceiling.

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About the
Professional

DPA Architects was founded by Dave Pearson in 1996 with the aim of providing clients with expertise in heritage architecture.

Since that time, DPA Architects has become one of New Zealand’s foremost architectural practices specialising in that area. The practice continues to strive for excellence in architecture and seeks to provide the best possible outcome for its clients.

DPA Architects has also developed a high level of technical expertise through involvement with a large number of projects ranging from large commercial projects to small domestic alterations. Projects have included restaurants, churches, educational facilities, town halls, railway stations, dwellings, historic military buildings, museums, theatres, office buildings, community facilities, cemeteries, old hotels, and courthouses.

The practice has been closely involved with the Christchurch rebuild since the earthquakes in 2010-2012. As a result, we have developed considerable understanding of building behaviour during earthquakes as well as extensive experience in retrofitting buildings to resist seismic forces. 

Heritage buildings are often required to meet current design standards. DPA Architects are experienced in the upgrading of these buildings including the provision of disabled access. 

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