Work

What began as earthquake strengthening work for Wellington's Sacred Heart Cathedral evolved into a comprehensive six-year restoration journey for this Category I Heritage building. When the Cathedral closed in July 2018 after being deemed earthquake prone, TEAM Architects Wellington was tasked with not only addressing structural issues but reimagining this spiritual cornerstone.

The project balanced heritage preservation with contemporary needs while tackling significant technical challenges. The Cathedral's porous structure — Oamaru stone exterior, rubble core, and large interior stone blocks — had allowed moisture infiltration for decades, worsened by inappropriate paint applications trapping water within walls. Paint removal proved transformative, with stone moisture levels dropping from 99% to 65% within just two weeks.

Approximately 5% of deteriorated Oamaru stone was replaced with matching material, while stainless steel tie rods reconnected all three construction layers where original mild steel straps had rusted. Each stone block underwent acoustic testing to identify hidden problems, and innovative solutions were developed for the cast iron windows where embedded cast iron tongues had rusted away.

Interior spaces were reimagined as calm, prayerful environments, replacing 1980s pink tones with natural materials and neutral palettes. Unnecessary decorative elements from previous renovations were thoughtfully removed, returning focus to the Cathedral's essential spiritual function.

Since reopening, the Cathedral has reclaimed its place as Wellington's Catholic heart, once again hosting pilgrimages, cultural celebrations, and significant ceremonies, while its renowned acoustics have brought musical performances back to enrich Wellington's cultural landscape.