Murphy Annexe

Murphy Annexe has had a makeover, transforming dated spaces into fresh new learning environments.

Alongside this aesthetic upgrade, the building is now at more than 100 percent of the Seismic Code New Building Standard, and has new data plumbing and wiring throughout, as well as new cladding.

The building is also entirely double-glazed, and features gender neutral bathroom facilities. There are seven teaching spaces that have been entirely refurbished.

The entrances, lobbies, and stairwells between floors, collectively called circulation spaces, are clean and contemporary. Murphy Annexe restores the circulation connections vertically and horizontally, with connections to the Murphy tower and the Kelburn Parade pedestrian bridge.

The teaching upgrade saw new presentation technology installed in all seminar rooms, with black-out blinds, dimmable lighting, and air-conditioning. The project also included the creation of a brand-new hub for postgraduate students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The upgrade has taken several years, with groups from across the University working towards it. As well as Property Services, University groups involved included the Security team, the Centre for Academic Development (CAD), Digital Solutions, and Room Bookings. The contractor was LT McGuinness, who are also contractors for the University’s Living Pā project.

The space is now modern and attractive, and easy to navigate for the students and staff that use it.