St Joseph’s Convent in Upper Hutt, established in the 1950s, originally functioned as an orphanage until transitioning in the mid-1980s to become a residence for retired Sisters of Mercy. Since 1984, it has not served as a children’s home, instead evolving into a supportive community for the Sisters.

Maycroft’s involvement in this Villa Joseph Accommodation Extension project began during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase. The project aimed to create new social spaces and expand the existing Mercy Villas with two additional accommodation wings. The new extension includes 11 studio apartments and two social areas, seamlessly integrated with the existing 41 units. Designed as a single-level development around an external courtyard, it features external timber cladding and a spacious mono-pitch roof.

During construction, Maycroft prioritised a safe and efficient site setup, ensuring clear separation between construction activities and resident operations to minimise disruption. Located in a serene environment, the existing Villas necessitated careful planning to preserve tranquility and minimise environmental impact.

The construction process followed a methodical approach, starting with achieving a weathertight enclosure and then progressing through services and finishing trades in a logical sequence to maintain quality and efficiency.

The building’s unique “U” shape required the concrete slab to be poured in four stages, while prefabricated timber framing and structural steel integration further enhanced construction efficiency.

A notable highlight of the project was the incorporation of stained-glass windows from St Mary’s Chapel into the new Villa Joseph Suite. These windows, meticulously restored after being carefully removed from the Chapel, add a distinctive and cherished element to the revitalized facility.