Dalman Architects was engaged to re-imagine and extend the historic Masonic Hotel, delivering for Cambridge a new 5-star boutique hotel, The Clements.

The original Masonic Hotel, built in 1866 by Archibald Clements, was destroyed by fire in 1911 and a new, grander hotel, was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by renowned architect of the time, John Currie, for its new owner, opening in 1912.

Wanting to respect the hotel’s historic character during the restoration, we retained and refurbished the sweeping timber staircase, original stained glass windows, doors and fire places.

Other areas were largely stripped out in order to meet building code and create an updated hotel for discerning hotel guests and the local community. The building was also seismically strengthened.

On the ground floor we designed a new entrance lobby and reception at the foot of the original stairs, a lounge, function room and board room, along with a bar that extends into The Gallery, a chic “l’orangerie” styled restaurant. The Gallery overlooks a sunny terrace that extends out into a large walled garden area.

At the rear, an extension was added to encompass a lift and second set of stairs.

Guest room numbers were increased through reconfiguring the first floor into an enhanced rooms layout, and creating a new top floor of guest rooms by lifting the original roof slightly and utilising the space within. Wherever possible, historical elements were retained and incorporated into the design.

In a nostalgic nod, the original 150 year old basement was extended and converted into an underground bar – the 1866 Speakeasy Bar – blending historic ambience with contemporary hospitality.

Positioned in the leafy provincial town of Cambridge, 1½ hour’s drive south of Auckland, the historic elegance of The Clements provides a refined and relaxed, retreat-like stay for both international and domestic travellers.