By Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects
The Lopdell project required the extensive upgrading of two heritage buildings, construction of a new regional art gallery, and a new car-park building, set in regenerating bush on a steep slope in Titirangi town centre. Lopdell House was built in 1930 as the Titirangi Hotel. Its redevelopment required the insertion of a seismically-resistant structure, construction of a new basement theatre, removal of roof-top additions and reconstruction of a paved roof deck. The whole building was refurbished into offices, and community spaces, with a large cafe-restaurant on Titirangi Rd. Nearby is the refurbished Treasure House.
“The task of restoring a landmark building in a suburban village centre sets the architect a difficult task: the existing form and fabric must be respected but the building is not a museum piece and needs to be re-configured as part of the community’s future as well as of its past. This task has been mastered by the architects who carried out the conservation and refurbishment of Lopdell House. The various accretions which over the years have degraded the building’s presence have been stripped-back and a sensitive colour scheme and some opening up of the pavement faces of the building have made it both more comfortably integrated with its neighbours and more accessible. The completed project, sharp, refreshed and skillfully adjusted to new uses, is now ready to act as a focus of the Titirangi community for another generation.” NZIA Judges’ comments.
Julian Mitchell is the director of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects; one of his areas of expertise is timber construction, a field in which has considerable practical as well as design experience. Julian worked with many architects as a builder from the mid 1980’s before completing an architecture degree in 2001. He has a strong understanding of the pragmatics and craft of building and is skilled at managing projects through construction. He was involved in the documentation of Unitec Landscape & Plant Sciences Building, was site architect for the Tauranga Art Gallery. He oversaw construction of the recently opened Lopdell House Redevelopment and Te Uru Contempory Gallery in Titirangi.
Julie Stout is a partner of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects; winner of the Chrystall Excellence Award, 2014 and one of the leading figures in New Zealand architecture. She is currently Adjunct Professor in the Department of Architecture, Unitec, Auckland. Julie has worked on projects ranging from urban planning to private houses, has a particular interest in community buildings. She has experience in working with a variety of stakeholder groups to help realise their projects, and plays a key role in design and co-ordination. Her work includes urban planning, schools and public buildings, commercial developments, multi-unit residential projects and individual houses.
Rachel Dodd is a partner of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects. She graduated from Unitec in 2007 with an Honours degree in Architecture having won numerous awards, including 3 design scholarships for overseas travel. Since graduating she has worked predominantly on residential projects, including multi-unit housing. Her experience ranges from the most modest to large, bespoke projects from inception to completion. In 2015 she won an NZIA National Award for an innovative alteration and addition to a 1930’s State House. It was the only project to win in its category that year.
Natalee Tan is an architectural graduate from the University of Auckland, graduating in the year 2014. She joined Mitchell & Stout Architects in 2015 and has since worked on a variety of projects, including small scale residential, and medium sized housing developments. Natalee is digitally proficient with CAD and BIM software, producing 3D models and presentation work for clients.