Erskine Chapel

Following on from significant seismic strengthening carried out by The Wellington Company, Aoraki Construction has lead the refurbishment of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, 1930s French-Gothic chapel sitting within the Erskine Development in Island Bay. Listed as a Category 1 Heritage Building, the refurbishment works at the chapel were a unique challenge, to stay as sensitive to the original design as possible. This was achieved by re-purposing native timber flooring, doors, windows and joinery from the demolished Erskine College. With some very high ceilings (some up to 14m high), and a lot of ornate plastering, intricate timber trims and detailing, the carpentry and finishing works were a very careful operation. Some modernisation took place, with the installation of a small passenger lift, and an upgrade to the bathrooms and some building services.

Our external works included the construction of a new entrance ramp and canopy, forming a new carparking area and accessway, general siteworks, a new external stairwell, and custom-built street furniture and planters.

The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is used as a wedding/function centre, with landscaped gardens and public seating areas surrounding it. We are proud to have been involved in this project which is truly one-of-a-kind!