Refined sanctuary in the city
The Old Government Building is a cherished landmark in Cathedral Square. In step with the building’s gracious ambience, OGB 17 provides a haven of understated luxury.
WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Lumo Photography
Past OGB bar are broad, carpeted stairs that grandly sweep up to a floor of private apartments. Rarely do these come up for sale. Christchurch couple Mark and Lisa Tinning knew they had something special when they purchased their one in 2023. Determined to honour this slice of heritage, they contacted architect Don Roy, of Site Architecture, to help fulfil their vision of a sophisticated retreat in the central city. The refined result is OGB 17.
Even before they set to work, the two-level apartment already offered so much – not least a superb location. Adding to the appeal was the apartment’s setting in a heritage building with bar and restaurant downstairs and on-site conveniences, including swimming pool, sauna, spa, gym, and covered carparking.
“What really swung it for us, though, was the sheltered outdoor terrace,” says Mark. “Apart from two rooftop penthouses, this is the only accommodation in the building with private outdoor space.”
Framed by stone columns, the terrace has an impressive view of New Zealand’s tallest mural on the Distinction Hotel. It’s a glorious place to sit and see people coming and going, right in the heart of the city.
Don worked closely with Lisa and Mark to adapt the heritage interior in a thoughtful and balanced way. The couple’s goal – to create a private central retreat for their own use as well as for premium short-stay accommodation – has been beautifully achieved throughout.
Inside, the feel is light, airy and comfortable. Don says key internal walls were removed to make best use of natural light and city views through the expansive double-height windows and French doors to the terrace. The apartment has been sensitively and responsibly updated with double glazing, energy-efficient lighting, and low-impact hot water systems.
Warm timbers, porcelain, and elegant brass tones, complemented by rich, deep green drapes, all speak so well to the refined vintage theme.
Tables on casters are an inspired touch in the downstairs kitchen and dining space, enabling an easy shift in layout from dining to extended island. Built-in bench seating here provides an intimate dining nook and doubles as sunlit seating overlooking Cathedral Square.
Clever design features in the sitting room include integrated joinery that conceals a cocktail cabinet and a sliding screen for the television.
Vertical dark oak defines the stairwell and extends up into a cosy library area, connecting both levels as well as offering shelving and subtle partitioning. Two bedrooms on the mezzanine level above have Juliet balconies with bifold doors that open out to the interior and city vista beyond.
Opened in 1913, this grand old building styled after an Italian High Renaissance palazzo was lucky to survive the earthquakes that destroyed so much else. Its heritage is celebrated here.
“When we stripped back the existing gib in one area, we found a cool timeline of plaster over brick, exposed brick and recent earthquake strengthening, so we decided to make a feature of that by framing and lighting it,” says Don.
Jamie Brown, of Browntown Builders, brought the high level of craft and precision required to complete this exceptional interior transformation. To book OGB 17, head to staywithwilliams.co.nz/listings/378419.