HIGH COURT BUILDINGS

36-42 Stout Street

Architect: Pierre Finch Martineau Burrows. Date of Construction: 1879-1880.

Architectural Style:Victorian Italianate. Building Type/Use: Court House.

Compilation Date: January 1994. Photo Negative: G4. 16/3/92.

Condition: Good. District Plan: Map 17, reference 273.

Visible Material: Cement render, painted timber joinery.

HISTORY

The High Court Building, was designed by Pierre Finch Martineau Burrows as the Supreme Court House. Supreme Court Hearings had, up until this time, been held in the Barrets Hotel. The land on which the Supreme Court is built is Block VIII of the Thorndon Reclamation known as the 'Supreme Court House Reserve'. It is the first major public building to have been constructed using materials other than wood. At the foundation stone laying ceremony 2000 people were in attendance.

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

The High Court Building is an important part of the Government Conservation Area, through both it's aesthetic qualities and the social history relating to the court rooms. The building is intimately associated with the social and legal heritage of New Zealand. It forms an important part of the political and legal precinct of lower Lambton Quay.

ARCHITECT

Burrows was born in Norwich, England, and arrived in New Zealand about 1863. He began working under W.H Clayton in the Colonial Architect's Office in 1874 and became Chief Draughtsman in 1875. When Clayton died, Burrows took over his duties, but he did not receive a designation of Colonial Architect.

Burrow's most important buildings include the Post Office at Christchurch (1877), The Supreme Court House, Wellington (1879), and the Mount Eden Prison (begun 1883). He was also responsible for a number of smaller post offices and courthouses. His brother Arthur Washington Burrows was also an architect, practising in Auckland and Tauranga.

ARCHITECTURE

The Court Building relates well to the Government Buildings across the road, the rusticated ground floor and the first floor headed windows with triangular pediments above is used in the design of both buildings. The neo-Classical building has a strong form with a T-shaped plan. A horizontal cornice emphasises the first floor level with a parapet emphasising the roof level. The Historic Places Trust have noted it as a scholarly work with dignity and good proportions.

SUMMARY OF HERITAGE VALUES

Cultural:

Emotional:

Historical: Significant contribution to the social and legal history of the nation. The home of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. The first major public building, not constructed of timber.

Design: A unique design in it's construction, design and function.

Use: Retains social and functional use values.

Contextual:

Level of Authenticity: Retains authenticity of design, materiality, craftsmanship and setting.

Statement of Significance:

SOURCES: