Restorations can be a long time in the making and the St Clement’s Maori Anglican Church in Ahipara is no exception, as Salmond Reed Architects started the process of investigations, research, and reporting as early as 2005. This prominent church in the Far North has exceeded all expectations with its bright new sanctuary window, entry porch, and distinctive bell tower - all in time for its Sesquicentenary in 2024.
For 10 years, Salmond Reed Architects has worked closely with the Parish of Ellerslie, firstly with the upgrading of the Parish Hall then remedial works to the historic vicarage. In 2016, Salmond Reed embarked on a detailed programme of reporting, detailing and specifying sympathetic and crafts-based remedial works to both the timber building and the stained and painted windows. Of particular interest for their rarity value was the conservation repair carried out on the stained and painted windows. Work to the building included repairs to the bell tower and the return to exterior colours assimilating those of the original decorative scheme.
