The Block NZ Firehouse 8

Bringing the heat back into a former firehouse was the task of the teams on 2019’s season of Three’s The Block NZ. But before the show started, the building, located in the central Auckland suburb of Kingsland, was converted into a series of modern apartments. Kingsland firm Context Architects was behind the renovation of the building’s shell, and the conversion of the spaces within, into workable apartments. Inside, these were left unspecified, allowing the show’s contestants full rein to work their magic. This building has seen a long history of uses, but its latest contemporary renovation and resulting star turn on television would likely not have been predicted by its former fire-fighter residents. A major part of the renovation of the shell was the replacement of the terracotta roof with a COLORSTEEL® Matte-clad penthouse level apartment. “The project on New North Road is not your typical alteration and addition, but rather a revival of the old and integration of the best of now. The use of a modern, matte steel cladding played an integral role in respectfully treating and maintaining the old fire station’s heritage charm,” says architect Hew Kenn Chew. The original, red firehouse doors were also reinstated to further this heritage look. The building was given a fresh paint job in a crisp neutral white, which helps to make the doors and the COLORSTEEL® Matte upper level pop.