Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings
Project info
DPA Architects were engaged to undertake seismic strengthening and restoration of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House (originally known as the Hastings Municipal Theatre), work for which the practice won a Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects National Award for Heritage architecture in 2020.
Opened in 1915, the theatre is one of the few remaining to have been designed by renowned theatre architect Henry Eli White. The façade is one of the country’s earliest examples of Spanish Mission style, while the lavish interiors, with their elaborate plaster decoration and coloured leadlight windows, are considered to be an important example of Art Nouveau.
Opened in 1915, the theatre is one of the few remaining to have been designed by renowned theatre architect Henry Eli White. The façade is one of the country’s earliest examples of Spanish Mission style, while the lavish interiors, with their elaborate plaster decoration and coloured leadlight windows, are considered to be an important example of Art Nouveau.
The building had undergone various upgrades and restorations between 1931, when it was extensively damaged by the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, and 2006. In 2014 it was found to require further seismic strengthening.
In addition to the seismic upgrade, DPA’s work saw the interior and exterior of the building redecorated, bathrooms redesigned, and the ornate plaster ceiling in the auditorium replastered and repainted. Ground floor tiling was reconstructed to accommodate new concrete foundations and a new colour scheme was adopted, informed by earlier influences.
Formerly dark spaces were transformed by a lighter palette. In the auditorium, rich red tones in carpet, seating and feature walls compliment panels of a 2004 mural reused in the upgrade and create an atmosphere of depth and luxury associated with traditional theatre design.
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
In addition to the seismic upgrade, DPA’s work saw the interior and exterior of the building redecorated, bathrooms redesigned, and the ornate plaster ceiling in the auditorium replastered and repainted. Ground floor tiling was reconstructed to accommodate new concrete foundations and a new colour scheme was adopted, informed by earlier influences.
Formerly dark spaces were transformed by a lighter palette. In the auditorium, rich red tones in carpet, seating and feature walls compliment panels of a 2004 mural reused in the upgrade and create an atmosphere of depth and luxury associated with traditional theatre design.
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
