The former Auckland Chief Post Office is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable historic buildings. Salmond Reed Architects have provided specialist conservation advice since this iconic landmark, dating from 1912, was first converted into the Britomart railway station in 2004. The exterior has been restored as the cornerstone historic building of New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project, the City Rail Link.
The removal of an existing exhibition in the house, some 25 years old, and the installation of a less imposing display of original owner James Busby’s life about the time of the Treaty signing returned some doors and windows in the house that had previously been covered over. The collaboration of workshop e and Salmond Reed Architects has resulted in touching the rooms lightly leaving only a residential scale, furniture-based installation using sophisticated touchscreen digital display cases to enhance the visitor experience in a room setting from the 1800s.
Sometimes our role is to advise others on how to work their inspired design intentions in with existing building fabric. Less is more when it comes to modification or removal of old building elements and simplicity of design often wins the day over complicated detailing. We look, ultimately, for design clarity particularly when juxtaposing the old with the new.
