Highfield Woolshed, North Canterbury
Project info
Highfield was one of the earliest sheep stations to be established in North Canterbury. The Highfield Woolshed, which dates from 1877, is now the oldest surviving building of its kind in the Hurunui district. It continues to be used as a working woolshed.
The building was constructed of rimu from the Marlborough Sounds. It was founded on tōtara piles, which were charred to aid their preservation. Its floor comprises pit-sawn kahikatea from the local Wandle Bush.
The building was constructed of rimu from the Marlborough Sounds. It was founded on tōtara piles, which were charred to aid their preservation. Its floor comprises pit-sawn kahikatea from the local Wandle Bush.
Among the casualties of North Canterbury’s devastating 2016 earthquake was this landmark woolshed that meant as much to the Waiau community as it did to its owners, the Northcote family, who have farmed here continuously. A ruptured fault line running under the woolshed drove the building off its foundations. Trusses were separated from walls and the roof collapsed along the southern wall. The floor was extensively damaged, with the entire structure looking buckled and bent.
DPA Architects acted as Heritage Architects, overseeing the restoration project. The building was re-piled, and straightened and braced, weatherboards and timber joinery were repaired, and the exterior was repainted in its traditional red colour with contrasting white-painted window joinery.
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
DPA Architects acted as Heritage Architects, overseeing the restoration project. The building was re-piled, and straightened and braced, weatherboards and timber joinery were repaired, and the exterior was repainted in its traditional red colour with contrasting white-painted window joinery.
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
