Context is Everything

Adaptive reuse refers to the rehabilitation of distressed buildings to give new life and purpose while avoiding carbon intensive demolition and rebuilding.

Context is currently refurbishing the New Zealand Refrigeration Co. building in the heart of Christchurch’s CBD. Following the 2011 earthquakes, it stood empty and became derelict for many years until its purchase for conversion into a multi-tenant office space. The renovation preserves original features wherever possible while specifying upgrades that position the building firmly amongst its contemporaries as a central city character office.

The building was upgraded to 100% NBS while retaining heritage value through the restored mosaic tile facade along with new Low-E high performance glazing, earning a 5-star carbon accreditation.