159 Hereford Street Refurbishment

Client: TSA Riley
Builder: Youngman and Son
Location: Christchurch
Project Type: Mechanical and Seismic Services Design and Build
Status: Completed

Breathing New Life into a Christchurch Landmark

Beattie Air was engaged to design and deliver the mechanical services package for the extensive refurbishment of 159 Hereford Street, formerly the New Zealand Refrigeration Company headquarters. Other than the Level 5 fitout, all mechanical design and installation works were completed by Beattie Air.

This older commercial building was fully gutted back to its structural frame before being rebuilt into a modern, light filled, and highly efficient office building designed for multiple new tenancies. The redevelopment preserves the character of the original 1960s architecture while introducing upgraded comfort, fresh air, and energy efficient temperature control across all levels.

A new café on the ground floor further enhances the building’s appeal and amenities.

Scope of Works

Beattie Air completed the following supply, design, and installation works:

Daikin VRV and HRV Systems
Providing energy efficient heating, cooling, and heat recovery ventilation to all commercial tenancies across the building.

Daikin High Wall Units in Meeting Rooms
Installed to deliver independent, quiet, and responsive temperature control for enclosed meeting spaces.

Exposed Services Installation
Ductwork, pipework, and mechanical services installed to suit the open ceiling design, showcasing the building’s modern industrial aesthetic.

Custom Ductwork and Distribution
Installed across multiple floors, accommodating both full floor and half floor tenancy configurations.

Mechanical Extraction Systems
Delivered for amenities, back of house areas, and end of trip facilities.

Full Commissioning and Air Balancing
All systems tested and validated to meet modern commercial indoor comfort and performance standards.

Subcontractor Coordination

Beattie Air coordinated closely with project partners throughout delivery:

Aotea Electrical – Electrical services
SMS – Ducting and metal fabrication

Working alongside Youngman and Son, our team ensured seamless integration of mechanical services within a complex refurbishment environment, balancing heritage structural constraints with modern design and performance expectations.

Project Outcome

The project has transformed an abandoned structure into a premium commercial building that blends historic architecture with contemporary functionality. Light filled floors with exposed beams and open ceilings create a modern workspace aesthetic. The lobby retains its original mosaic artwork while the building provides premium amenities, including end of trip facilities, bike parking, and excellent access to public transport.

Achieving a 5 Star Carbon Score, the refurbishment avoids 4,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equal to the carbon captured by more than 6,000 acres of forest.

Planning a commercial refurbishment or mechanical upgrade? We can help.

Beattie Air has over 35 years of experience delivering commercial, heritage, and adaptive reuse mechanical projects across Canterbury and throughout New Zealand.

Website: www.beattieair.co.nz
Email: info@beattieair.co.nz
Phone: 0800 80 85 80
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