In March 2023, the Winter Gardens were fully re-opened to the public following a complex two-year project to seismically upgrade and undertake major repairs and improvements to the glasshouses and wider site. The repairs and strengthening works were complex and required a number of changes to the structures, which have been carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that the heritage values of the place have been protected and enhanced. This icon site has been conserved for the future. This has been accomplished on time and within the original estimates on behalf of Auckland Council.
The most significant aspect of this alteration was a reinstatement of the original west verandah, entry and hallway. We provided templates for the fretwork and our clients crafted them in the local community workshop. Their work is seen in several of the finishing details and this involvement was a lovely part of the project.
A new bay window was added to the front room alongside the new verandah, using the double hung sash windows from the existing wall.
A new kitchen extension was designed as a traditional lean-to, which opens to the dining room from where sea views can be enjoyed. The enclosed stair to the existing first floor space was relocated to the hallway and opened up to the kitchen. New balustrading and newel posts seamlessly completed the transformation. The existing north facing deck was rebuilt in steel sections with a louvred roof and screened central bay. From here a new outdoor living space was created, which has stunning views out over Ngataringa Bay.