Brief: Propose a re-imagining of Government House in Wellington for a purpose that aligns with or critiques a particular well-being concern for Aotearoa, New Zealand. Design a multi-programme adaptive reuse of the building that unpacks the existing programming of the site as a residence, event-space, and stage for the ‘performance’ of nationhood.
This project explores the intersections between space and the politics of identity and wellbeing. It proposes an adaptive re-use of the attic space in Wellington’s Government House, the living quarters of past servants. The intervention envisions an entire redesign of the space and glazing of sections of roof, exposing the structural framing and the servants living quarters. This action forms the critical position of this project; to celebrate all people of the service industry in New Zealand.
As a result, Seed to Success’ adaptive reuse of Government House acts as a foundation for employed youth to better their position in society. The design manifests as a transformation of the attic space into a Government funded hospitality education centre and restaurant, acting separately to the functions of Government House. The center invites improvement of the wellbeing of selected unemployed youth through the provision of an internship programme where skills to advance employment opportunities in the hospitality industry are developed. The designed space provides facilities for learning, mentoring and empowering youth to learn the cycle of growing, preparing and cooking produce, creating respect for what they cook.
The space was designed to be an open plan well lite space, with the only physical division being the glass bi-fold doors between the kitchen and the greenhouse/restaurant space. The removal of sections of roof brought light into the space and created a rhythmic aesthetic of the timber framing. Timber was used throughout the space to create a warm atmosphere, contributing to the modern rustic aesthetic. Terracotta tiles removed from the roof are proposed to be re used on the floor in the greenhouse providing a waterproofing layer over the original timber floorboards.
This adaptive reuse project of Government house envisions a huge underutilised area to be transformed into a space that would be hugely beneficial for improving the wellbeing of unemployed youth and have a program that society can value.
As you enter you are greeted by timber planter beds running the length of the space with fresh produce leading to the restaurant and kitchen. The floor is lined with the recycled roof tiles removed from to install the glazing in the roof, as well as being recycled these tiles act as a protectant over the original wooden floorboards from water and dirt etc. The atmosphere in this space will be very similar to that of a well air rated greenhouse, warm and slightly humid with a earthy smell.
