2020 New Zealand Architecture Awards Winner
Hawke's Bay Opera House
The rich deep reds of the restored auditorium of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House improve an already incredible theatre space, one of New Zealand’s most significant, designed by Henry Eli White ((1876–1952), also architect of the St James theatres in Wellington and Auckland. The almost monochromatic approach adds luxury, and confidently nods to the history of the theatre, but is not a replica of earlier colour schemes. Extensive seismic upgrading has been discreetly incorporated into the existing fabric of the fully refurbished building. A new raised roof is confidently handled on the Spanish Mission exterior. At over 100 years old, this survivor of the 1931 earthquake has been restored with additional splendour.
- Practice
- Dave Pearson Architects Limited
- Category
- Heritage
- Location
- Gisborne/Hawkes Bay
