WelCom June 2019:
The New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Wellington branch announced the winners of their local awards on 8 May, at Parliament Buildings. Twenty-five projects were commended that ‘have changed the face of Wellington city and other regional centres.’ Included were work on St Mary of the Angels Church for the Heritage Award and the Chapel for Mother Aubert at Our Lady’s Home of Compassion for the Small Project Architecture category.
‘…St Mary of the Angels is the pinnacle of achievement for Wellington religious architecture, and an expression of faith in the pinning of buildings to the sides of rocky outcrops. The restoration and strengthening of the church has been a labour of love for many…bringing Frederick de Jersey Clere’s brilliant original design into the modern seismic code era. St Mary of the Angels should endure well into the next century.’
‘Like Mother Aubert herself, this Chapel is quiet, demure and unassuming, yet capable of packing a sizable punch of singular purpose. A plain brick external casing encloses a serene and simple space, furnished with minimal detailing – delicate coloured glass windows, a peaceful outlook and a beautiful hewn slab of natural stone – as a fitting and final memorial to a woman whose life was animated by rongoā and compassion.’