Transforming an old church into a contemporary design hub for creative arts

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Centre of the Creative Industries

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) wanted to incorporate the 140-year-old former St John’s Anglican Church into their Centre of Creative Industries. We provided mechanical services and fire protection design to convert the existing church building into a performance and education space.

There were challenges to bringing the church up to the standards appropriate for its new use, while maintaining the ornate ceilings and walls to preserve heritage integrity. Heating the new development enabled us to move away from the original direct electric heating system to an economic heat pump-based hot water reticulation system. We also provided a high standard of ventilation and temperature control for educational and event use and worked with the architect to improve efficiency and thermal performance of the existing brick building and roof.

We designed the new fire sprinkler system to blend in with the existing exposed timber structure of the historic church. Pipe work had to be exposed, but our design reduced the visual impact, while complying with the requirements of the New Zealand standard for fire sprinkler systems.

Reusing a building that otherwise would have struggled to find another purpose, saved the church. With the addition of columns to reinforce the structure against earthquakes and placement of two pod classes, the church has otherwise remained intact.

A new building welcomes students from film, animation, game design, fashion and music, while the church hosts events and concerts and is also available to the wider community.