fearon hay architects: imperial buildings revitalization

‘the imperial buildings’ by fearon hay architects, auckland, new zealand
image © patrick reynolds
all images courtesy of fearon hay architects

fearon hay architects of new zealand have revitalized ‘the imperial buildings’ in downtown auckland. the culturally rich buildings
originally built between 1886 and 1911 now provide five levels of bars, dining along commercial office and retail spaces. additionally,
a new street aptly named ‘imperial lane’ has been carved through the once closed-off edifices to activate previously inaccessible components
of the project through internal circulation components. navigating the change in grade across the site, the inclined service-way houses
the public food establishments with stepped tables that follow the contours of the ground plane, creating a new hub for socialization.

light shafts of semi-translucent glass panes within metal frames penetrate the floors to naturally illuminate each section and expose the
discovered brickwork, stone, timber trusses and weathered concrete structure. slender blackened steel members and corrugated metal
panels support these original elements without distracting from their industrial character. a centrally located spiral staircase connects
the new interior road with a large courtyard on the first storey which was re-purposed from the old service light well, and contains several stairs
and balconies linking the upper levels to the open area.

image © patrick reynolds

outdoor dining area
image © patrick reynolds

roadside cafes
image © patrick reynolds

(left) lightwell
(right) new staircase
images © patrick reynolds

(left) road level and circular staircase
(right) top of circular staircase and lightwell
images © patrick reynolds

attic of original structure with existing brickwork and timber trusses
image © patrick reynolds

image © patrick reynolds

site context highlighting recently upgraded fort lane, connect to queen street by the embedded imperial lane

section

elevation

project info:

architect: fearon hay architects
location: auckland, new zealand
constructed area: 5000sqm
completed: 2011
photographic credit: patrick reynolds