St Hilda's Church - a winner for Wellington - Tilley Designline Perforation

Architect: First Light Studio
Location: Island Bay, Wellington
Product Used: Custom Laser Capabilities

This project’s eye-catching façade is a set of custom laser-cut panels, manufactured by Tilley Group.

Wellington’s St Hilda’s Church has won this year’s coveted New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Small Project Architecture Award. With such strong competition this year, it was fantastic to see this amazing project take the top spot in its field. Tilley Group manufactured the striking laser cut panels used in the stunning façade, but First Light Studio’s impeccable vision and skill are firmly on display in every aspect of the church’s renovation.

The façade treatment and extension address overdue earthquake remediation. Marked by the integration of beautiful curving new structural LVL portal frames, the extension successfully identifies as a modern addition. The inspired folded and faceted aluminium screening serves on multiple levels: to shield from the busy street and bring dynamism, warmth and filtered light to the interior. The abstracted geometric patterning has been inspired by the local Tapu Te Runga environment, referencing the coastline, island, sea, sky and stars. The project brings a modern identity to the church, its community and visibility within the wider community.
-New Zealand Institute of Architects (click to read article)

This is not the first time the project has been recognised, having received two awards at the 2023 Timber Design Awards: ‘Highly Commended’ in both the Commercial and Public Building category and People’s Choice category.

“Replacing the earthquake prone façade designed by renowned architect Frederick de Jersey Clere in 1910 with full height glazing and a anodised aluminium golden tessellated veil is an exciting and bold move. The result is a light filled, warm and welcoming space for the congregation and wider community. New curved Pinus Radiate glulam portals pay homage to the existing dark timber gothic arches. The new timber portals and reused existing timber elements have created a larger modern congregation space with a revitalised connection to the street.

This small but impressive project utilised timber specifically as a solution to some delicate structural issues which enabled a historically sensitive building to retain its integrity while taking on a new outward facing appearance and also improve its ability to survive earthquakes. Tying together the old and the new was achieved using New Zealand timbers tastefully connected with the existing structural system to create a new and improved space for the building users.”

-Timber Unlimited (click to read article)

In 2017, St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Island Bay approached First Light Studio with a brief describing the need for a beautiful, quality, and timeless design for the existing church. This request followed a one-year ultimatum from the council to address the building’s earthquake-prone status.

Recognizing the importance of a larger congregation space and revitalizing the street-front connection with the community, the parish chose to remove the earthquake-prone elements of the brick façade. Additionally, they desired an extension to the nave that would provide more space for the baptismal font, increased seating, and a new façade facing the street.

The new extension respects the sacredness of the Christian church, emphasizing beauty, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere both inside and out. It aligns with the symbolic journey experienced within the church.

By extending the existing weatherboard sides of the church towards the footpath, two nib walls are created, offering shelter for full-height glazing. In front of this glazing stands a golden tessellating veil, adorned with a pattern that represents the history, future, people, and essence of the place and the church.

St Hilda’s Anglican Church’s design by First Light Studio integrates architectural elements that honor the church’s sacred nature. The design embraces beauty, quality, and a sense of warmth to create an inviting environment for both the congregation and the surrounding community.
-First Light Studio (click to read about the project)