Commercial project

Every Nation Church

Client:
Every Nation Church
Location:
Christchurch New Zealand
Delivered:
2024

The Every Nation Church project transformed a former rugby club into a purpose-built home for community engagement. The existing buildings were fragmented, earthquake-damaged, and no longer suited the Church’s activities. The design strategy focused on refurbishing and unifying the structure, creating a welcoming, flexible environment while retaining the character of the original building.

The refurbishment combined economical upgrades with precise architectural interventions. The exterior was refreshed with cost-effective cladding, while the north, west, and part of the south elevations were wrapped in a folded aluminium façade, developed in close collaboration with structural engineers (Beca) and metalwork specialists (Metalwork & Design). Inside, low first-floor ceilings over the auditorium were replaced with a new roof and full-height glazing, filling the space with light and park views. On the ground floor, redundant block walls were removed to create an open foyer, kitchen, and office area.

The completed building balances the constraints of the existing structure with the Church’s desire for openness and community engagement. The auditorium now serves as a bright, inviting heart, while the ground floor encourages interaction and accessibility. Close collaboration with the Church and main contractor (HRS Construction) ensured the design was carefully realised, delivering a bespoke, flexible, and welcoming home for Every Nation Church.

Contractor: HRS Construction Ltd.
Photographer: Lightforge