Case Study: Restoring an 1880s Christchurch Cottage

After the Christchurch Earthquakes, Joe and Simone purchased a historic 1880s cottage beside their home. Their dream? To restore it with respect for its heritage while giving it a new life as a boutique B&B.

The Challenge

The cottage had suffered significant foundation and structural damage, with only superficial repairs done by the previous owner. Qualifying for the Treasury On-Sold programme, the restoration required a complete rethink of its foundations. With input from architect William Fulton and BMC Engineering, a steel sub-frame and deep screw piles were designed—meaning the entire cottage had to be lifted and moved.

The Restoration

Once secure on its new base, the extent of earthquake damage became clear. Framing was out of line, plaster walls were failing, and the sash windows and kauri floors couldn’t be saved. Each detail demanded a sensitive solution:

• Tasmanian Blackwood flooring polished to a high gloss for stunning effect.

• Replica sash windows crafted and double-glazed by Alsop Joinery.

• Lead-heavy paintwork replaced with new cladding and roofing.

• Two luxury bathrooms with full-height tiles and walk-in showers.

• Restored veranda features, including ornate cast iron latticework and custom-bent corrugated iron roofing.

• Restored original kauri doors to remind us of the beauty of the raw timber

Colour choices brought everything together—Resene’s “Aroha” red, paired with white trims and a charcoal roof, gave the cottage bold character while staying true to its heritage.

Our Role

As client-side Project Managers, we coordinated every stage—from engineers and builders to specialist trades. We guided Joe and Simone through design decisions, managed the evolving scope, and navigated the EQC On-Sold process.

For busy professionals balancing family and work, managing a heritage restoration like this alone would have been overwhelming. Our role was to make their vision achievable—and the result is a beautifully restored cottage that honours its history while stepping into a new future as a B&B. Have a look at it now Red House Blue Door - 250 Kilmore, Central Christchurch

What the Cients Had to Say

We have known David Norriss for 6 years. We have contracted David as Project Manager to manage the process of assessing and repairing two properties damaged by the 2010 / 2011 Canterbury earthquake series. 

David's skills and knowledge ensured we were well advised and prepared as we confronted the logistics of insurance claims, legal processes, negotiating with contractors and suppliers, agreeing timescales, costs and resources.

David provided us with detailed plans for the projects, kept in touch and updated us on developments regularly (sometimes daily if needed), as well as resolving any unforeseen issues that cropped up on the way. 

David's leadership, management, persistence, determination and attention to detail, communication skills and diplomacy, combined with his network of professional contacts constitute an invaluable project management resource.

Simone & Joe