280 High Street
Completed in late 2025, this sub-250 m² post-quake rebuild occupies the corner of three prominent streets in central Christchurch: Hereford, High, and Colombo. On the former site of the Fisher’s (Hanafins) Building, once an ornate Venetian Gothic landmark. Designed by William Armson and constructed in 1880 for tea and grocery merchant Thomas Fisher, the historic building was later owned by Lawry Hanafin, who operated a photography studio there for 30 years until the February 2011 earthquakes and its demolition in July 2011. The site remained a small carpark for most of the following 14 years, so it’s great to see it bustling with activity again.
These large-format flat perforated aluminium panels, finished in a matt white powder coat, feature a five-hole “Effervescence” pattern with 15% open area. They provide decorative screening for the precast concrete structure, creating an attractive façade that comes alive at night through back-lit illumination.
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CLIENT:
Consortium Construction for Peebles Group - design by SMC Design Studio -
LOCATION:
Christchurch Central
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SERVICES:
Design Service, Perforated Panel Manufacture
