The redevelopment of North Shore District Court
A comprehensive redevelopment of North Shore District Court, designed by Prendos architectural arm – Respond Architects – creates a safer environment for all stakeholders, together with enhanced functionality, aesthetics and sustainability.
Respond were initially engaged as Lead Designers for a full reclad and roofing replacement to remediate weathertightness issues. But when further investigation confirmed the building’s issues were worse than originally thought, it presented an opportunity for a more comprehensive upgrade.
The brief was expanded to include seismic strengthening for which Prendos structural engineering team was engaged, along with accessibility, fire safety and services upgrades, a major interior refit, together with exterior redesign. Alongside the priorities of creating a safer, more efficient and welcoming environment, emphasis was also placed on cultural relevance and sustainability. This challenging project required a staged approach, allowing construction to occur while the court was fully operational, with the coordination of multiple specialist subcontractors.
The main public entry and interior public spaces were reconfigured to ensure safety, integrating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, while presenting a welcoming, non-institutional public face. The diverse needs of multiple users are catered for with public areas, secure zones, judges’ chambers and a new wharenui room, designed with input from local hapu. Careful consideration was given to the transition of personnel and separation of various stakeholder groups to optimise operational efficiency and safety.
Externally, the colour palette was chosen to reflect Albany’s Māori and agricultural history. Similarly, the main entry screen’s design draws inspiration from the North Shore landscape, its position between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, and the native flora, enhancing the building’s connection to its environment.
Environmentally responsible design principles were incorporated, utilising low-carbon materials such as net carbon-negative Interface Carpet tiles. Aluminium façade cladding was chosen for its low maintenance requirements and long lifespan, balancing upfront carbon impact with operational efficiency. The façade design also considered maintenance and health and safety, aiming to minimise costs and reduce the need for high-risk maintenance activities.
Work on the redevelopment was primarily conducted after hours and on weekends to avoid disrupting court operations, particularly trials. Judges’ chambers were renovated during the January break to prevent any disturbance. The design of construction staging and hoardings was dynamic, involving temporary fire egress arrangements and a rolling CPU application with Auckland Council. Unexpected on-site discoveries, such as deviations from the original roof structure design, required redesigns and resequencing of construction phases.
A challenging and dynamic project, Prendos and Respond Architects ultimately met the brief – designing for safety, operational efficiency, cultural relevance and sustainability – to deliver a redevelopment that meets contemporary standards, while respecting the building’s historical and social context.
Photography by Mark Scowen.