Before and after

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To enhance the 1930s art deco tradition of this former post office building, the heritage consultants specified Resene colours that closely match the originals.

Successive remodelling projects can lose sight of a building’s architectural heritage. But in recent years, the value of many early New Zealand government buildings has been recognised, and sympathetic restoration has followed.

The former Devonport Post Office building is a prime example of the Art Deco movement that influenced government architects in the 1930s. Architect Lloyd Macomber of Salmond Reed Architects says that although the building is decoratively restrained, its solid concrete construction, rounded corners, steel-framed windows and strong horizontal banding are all typical features of the Art Deco period.

Owners Eddie and Sharon de Heer commissioned Salmond Reed Architects to refurbish the character building to provide a mix of retail and office facilities. Macomber says in restoring the Art Deco elements, the design team consulted frequently with the NZ Historic Places Trust and the local council heritage planner. Advice was also sought from a retail architecture specialist.

The plaster-over-concrete exterior was painted to closely match the original colours. The main base colour is Resene Sandwisp and the bands above the windows and on the dentil parapets are Resene Apache. The slightly darker inset grooves and trim are Resene Marigold.

Resene Green Smoke features on curved reveals and in rectangles on the entrance door, and the steel windows and doors are painted in Resene Green Leaf. The roof is Resene Seaweed.

Resene has a number of paints that are sympathetic to heritage buildings, including Resene Lumbersider waterborne satin. The satin finish of this paint helps to hide surface imperfections while still providing protection against the weather.

Resene AquaShield mineral-effect finish provides a dead flat finish. This paint combines a flat finish with waterbeading properties, which make it harder for dirt and airborne contaminants to stick, ensuring buildings keep their good looks for longer.

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