21-22 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, NZ

Completion Date:

2025

Project Details:

Perched in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the building at 21–23 Cambridge Terrace – now referred to as Oriental Chambers – was originally erected in 1930 as the Wellington East Post Office. Designed by Government Architect John Mair, this eight-storey structure showcases a refined blend of Classical proportions and Art Deco sensibilities, with a striking vertical façade, stepped wings, and steel-framed construction. For over 60 years, its ground floor served as the public postal counter while upper levels housed radio telecommunications operations, reflecting the building’s dual civic and technical roles

In the late 1960s, as postal functions were rationalised, the property transitioned into private hands and gradually adapted to new uses. By the early 2000s, it had been repurposed into a backpackers’ hostel, complete with internal modifications and additional upper-storey interiors. These transformations illustrate the balance between preserving architectural heritage and meeting evolving urban needs, maintaining the building’s cultural prominence along Cambridge Terrace.

During 2025, Rockbond supported Aoraki Construction on the seismic strengthening and heritage restoration of this building, which was known as the ‘Drifter’ project. The strengthening works involved strengthening the existing eight-storey heritage building through the installation of micropiles and new foundations, new internal shear walls, and an exoskeletal concrete frame to the rear of the structure.

Alongside the structural upgrades, key heritage elements were carefully restored. Formerly operated as a backpackers facility, the building will be transformed into an eight-storey hotel once the strengthening and fit-out works are complete. Rockbond supplied Aoraki Construction with a range of structural strengthening and concrete remediation products for the project.

Key Products Used: