St Mary’s Old Covent Chapel was designed by Edward Mahoney and built in Ponsonby in 1865-66 as the first purpose-built chapel by the Sisters of Mercy in New Zealand. Salmond Reed Architects led a full external restoration of this Category A Gothic Revival chapel, working alongside specialist craftsmen to undertake numerous timber repairs, restoration of the beautiful lead light stained glass windows and reinstating the heritage colour scheme.
Its short-comings of limited accommodation, poor indoor-outdoor flow and generally poorly executed past alterations were successfully addressed in the re-design carried out by Salmond Reed Architects.
Exterior improvements included reinstatement of the front verandah, new entrance gable and steps, additions to rear, dining pavilion, double garaging, fences and entry lych gate.
Interior improvements included interior re-planning, retention of existing pressed metal ceilings and period fireplaces, new central stair and kitchen and bathroom updates.
