2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards Winner
Chapel of the Upper Room - Renovations & Strengthening
Designed in the 1960s by Sir Miles Warren, the Chapel of the Upper Room is a key building at the University of Canterbury’s Ilam campus and a celebrated example of mid-century Australasian chapel architecture. Featuring a copper-clad, M-shaped roof, béton brut concrete, and exposed timber trusses, the chapel was damaged in the 2010–2011 earthquakes and deemed earthquake-prone. Its meticulous restoration preserved original materials and proportions while adding discreet seismic strengthening, a new raft slab foundation, and a modern glazed egress link. The project removed later additions, revealing the original undercroft and staircase, ensuring this architectural treasure continues to serve future generations.
- Practice
- Wilkie + Bruce Registered Architects Ltd
- Category
- Heritage
- Location
- Canterbury
