Earthquake strengthening and refurbishment that turned a derelict 1960s air force fuel store at Hobsonville Point into a working café.
- Client
- Hobsonville Land Company
- Services
- Structural and seismic design, building consent, construction observation, certification
- Location
- Hobsonville Point, Auckland
- Status
- Complete August 2010
01 / Project overview
The brief
Built for the RNZAF, the Deployable Bulk Fuel Installation building at Hobsonville had various uses from 1963 before ending up as a largely derelict aviation fuel store. As part of the Hobsonville Point development, Hobsonville Land Company wanted it reborn as a café.
The challenge was to keep the building's historic character while bringing it up to current building regulations. We prepared and lodged the building consent application for the change of use and refurbishment, observed the engineering work on site and certified it on completion.
How we delivered it
Earthquake strengthening
We designed new shear walls and steel frames to bring the building's seismic performance up to code.
Opening up the interior
Some internal walls were removed and replaced with structural beams to create the café space. The design also included a new entry and canopy, a commercial kitchen with wastewater plumbing and drainage, and fire protection and egress.
Keeping the history
High stud ceilings, sash windows and native timber floors were kept. Artist Mike Petre turned the old rimu tongue-and-groove walls into tables and countertops.
03 / The outcome
“A derelict fuel store turned into a working café, delivered on time and on budget, that still serves Air Force personnel today and blends the building’s history with modern design.”
04 / Gallery
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