1The project to accommodate the new Supreme Court of New Zealand combined the construction of a contemporary new Supreme Court building with the careful restoration of the existing heritage Old High Court Building. Finding the right balance between the old and new elements was a significant challenge, with a great stakeholder team delivering the goods in the end.

2 The ovoid shaped main courtroom is a spectacular feature at the heart of the new building, clad in copper on the outside, with striking timber interior panelling. There is also an elegant internal spiral staircase which connects all the levels, from basement parking, through the ground floor and up to the judges’ chambers on the second floor.

3 This project also involved the strengthening, base isolation and refurbishment of the Old High Court Building as part of the Supreme Court complex. The original courtroom was too small and lacked the functionality required for the Supreme Court. The refurbished old building provides a courtroom and office space for the Chief Justice’s administration staff, while the new building houses the Supreme Court judges and Law Library.