Restoring a 100-year-old Beaux Arts Exterior
The recently completed BNZ Theatre project involved construction of a new state-of-the-art theatre following the closure of the Founders Theatre in 2016. Built on the site of the Hamilton Hotel, the project included a full restoration of the 1923 Hamilton Hotel which serves as the new street-facing entrance and foyer into the wider theatre space.
Sto New Zealand was engaged to deliver render and coating systems to restore, preserve, and protect the building’s heritage character while meeting modern performance requirements.
“Jasmax took on the challenge and essentially designed two buildings — the commercial precinct (behind the heritage wall) and the theatre,” explains Simon Diplock, Project Manager, Foster Construction. “They looked to retain the heritage facade and character items within the hotel building as one project, while also designing the new adjoining state-of-the-art theatre.”
Sto played a key role in preserving the Hamilton Hotel’s 100-year-old Beaux Arts exterior, using their technical expertise to restore the facade. “Archifact Heritage Architect, Adam Wild, didn’t want to make the building to look brand new,” explains Simon. “Originally, there was some discussion around putting thick render over the top but, working with Sto, they found a way to maintain the years of cracking and that kind of ‘aged look’ while providing a system over the top that they could warranty.”
The bespoke system involved a StoColor Refurbishment Coating System for the exterior heritage façade, including minor crack repairs and levelling, finished in StoColor Dryonic façade paint. Dryonic is an intelligent façade coating that ensures that water on the facade from rain, dew and fog is dispersed quickly, allowing the façade to dry rapidly and reduce the risk of algae, fungal growth, and surface contaminants. This keeps surfaces dry, clean and looking good for longer, helping to minimise maintenance.
A StoArmat Miral Render System was used for other exterior walls, including sections of existing concrete blockwork and new precast panels, alongside a StoStucco Render System used on the east elevation of the Theatre. Both systems ensure a cohesive finish across varying substrates.
For the atrium space and circulation areas, Sto systems were used to create a more textured and aged look, even for newer walls, achieving cohesion between older and newer spaces. A StoMiral Render System finished in a bespoke Stolit MP texture was applied to walls in the ground floor, main atrium, and East and West wings of the theatre, delivering a durable textured plaster finish suited to high-traffic spaces.
Application of the Sto systems was carried out by MaxBuild, whose skilled workmanship ensured high-quality finishes. “MaxBuild and Sto were great. They worked well with our team and the heritage architect,” says Simon. “There was some really detailed work around the top of the building and above the windows, where the architect wanted to retain the original features. Working with MaxBuild and Sto, we found a solution that allowed those details to remain, with the Sto product applied over top.”
In many cases throughout the project, it was the adaptability of the Sto products that enabled the team to achieve the desired aesthetic, without compromising performance. “We weren’t dictated to around how we had to do things. Once we cleaned off the facade, both Sto and MaxBuild viewed the substrate and worked with us to write a new specification to suit the build we had in mind.”
Excellent service from MaxBuild and Sto also helped ensure a smooth project. “Sto were great at providing samples, helping us understand the finish and how the system was built up, and working with us on pricing,” says Simon. “They were also very good on site. They came down to see us regularly and worked with the MaxBuild to make it work on site which was great. You'd ask them to pop down, and they'd be there the following day.”
The level of care and detail taken throughout the BNZ Theatre project has resulted in a stunning new performing arts centre for the region. The project demonstrates the flexibility in the Sto product range, and their ability to deliver on challenging projects with varying performance and aesthetic requirements. The restored Hamilton Hotel facade is a highlight of the build, illustrating the importance of bespoke systems that can balance modern performance with the preservation of heritage details.
“Anyone that's anyone has been commenting on how good the theatre and front façade look,” says Simon. “It really does look fantastic, the clients are over the moon, and the public feedback has been brilliant.”
BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
Architects: Jasmax, Archifact and Charcoalblue
Main Contractor: Foster Construction
Sto Applicator: MaxBuild
Photos: Jasmax, BNZ Theatre | Live Nation
Sto Systems:
Exterior Plaster Repair Systems
StoArmat Miral Render System for Masonry
