Client:
The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau
Location:
Tāmaki Makaurau
Completion:
2026
Size:
3,750m2
Design Partner:
Archifact - Architecture & Conservation Ltd
Title Image Reference:
James D. Richardson, Looking across Symonds Street from the..., c1930, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 7-A5860
Contact:
James Mooney
Situated on the corner of Symonds and Alfred Streets, Old Choral Hall sits at the heart of The University of Auckland’s City Campus. Classed as a Category 1 heritage building, the original hall was built in 1872 to a design by pre-eminent Auckland architect Edward Mahoney. The Neo-Classical Old Choral Hall was the third performance venue built by the Auckland Choral Society after the previous two buildings were destroyed by arson in January and December 1871 respectively. Since opening, these spaces had been variously added to, and modified, serving for some time as the University Science Building following the addition of several new wings in 1917 and again in 1925. The removal of the original masonry portico at the Symonds Street entry around the time of the Napier earthquake further diminished the buildings presence on this prominent city corner.
Architectus worked with Archifact – Architecture & Conservation Ltd on the refurbishment over a seven-year period. Spread across two levels, the finished project provides a mixture of student-facing areas and informal social spaces on the ground floor with workspaces for support staff on the upper floor. Additional interventions include upgraded amenities and shared learning spaces.
Key design moves included the removal of many of the unsympathetic additions and modifications to reinstate the clarity and legibility of the building’s form and restore the original larger, more flexible volumes and spaces where these better meet current needs. Extensive interventions in the buildings fabric have resulted in a greatly improved seismic performance, an accessible route between floors where previously there was none, and an upgrade of services and amenities to meet the requirements of a 21st century campus. Reinstatement of the portico provides an opportunity to restore the original façade with a contemporary twist in the form of an integrated structural steel portal frame that plays a critical role in seismically stiffening the historic fabric.
Key design moves included the removal of many of the unsympathetic additions and modifications to reinstate the clarity and legibility of the building’s form and restore the original larger, more flexible volumes and spaces where these better meet current needs. Extensive interventions in the buildings fabric have resulted in a greatly improved seismic performance, an accessible route between floors where previously there was none, and an upgrade of services and amenities to meet the requirements of a 21st century campus. Reinstatement of the portico provides an opportunity to restore the original façade with a contemporary twist in the form of an integrated structural steel portal frame that plays a critical role in seismically stiffening the historic fabric.
In place of the cramped lean too that connected the buildings two entries a new circulation ‘spine’ provides a new daylit, double height connective element linking the key campus pedestrian routes to the east and west of the building and enhancing wayfinding and accessibility. Extensive glazing throughout the ‘spine’ allows views out to the surrounding landscape and gardens.
The refurbished Old Choral Hall provides a contemporary space for the University community at the heart of the campus. The works have ensured Old Choral Hall’s long-term use and relevance whilst respecting the significance of this heritage building. For the broader community, the project restores and revitalises a historic landmark ensuring its ongoing contribution to Auckland’s past, present and future.
