The Sisters of Compassion engaged us to help re-envision their 3.8-hectare Island Bay site — their spiritual and physical home since 1907 — so it could continue to support their mission while welcoming a wider community.

Working closely with the Sisters, I led briefing workshops to identify their long-term needs and values, translating these into a clear masterplan and staged building and infrastructure upgrade plan. I remained involved throughout construction to ensure the intent was realised on site.

The resulting solution transformed the former hospice into a retreat house with gallery, café, community spaces, archives, and an accessible visitor centre with a new central reception. A new crypt was sensitively integrated into the existing chapel, supported by a landscaped processional route and courtyard.

Photo Credits: Andy Spain Photography

Awards: NZILA Institutional Award of Excellence 2019 Best Design Awards Silver Pin 2019
Project completed while at Studio Pacific Architecture