Project Snapshot
Client : Hierarchy Group
Location : Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Services : Commercial Electrical & Architectural Lighting
Project Duration : Approximately 6 months
Working alongside Hierarchy Group over approximately six months, our team completed the electrical refurbishment across the ground floor tenancy, upgraded amenities on Levels 1–7, replaced the building’s emergency lighting system, installed new revenue metering and delivered striking architectural lighting both inside and out.
With much of the work carried out around an occupied office environment and challenging exterior access, the project showcases ATL’s ability to coordinate complex commercial installations while delivering an exceptional finish.
Bringing a Building Back to Life
Working alongside Hierarchy Group, ATL was involved from the beginning of the refurbishment, delivering the electrical installation from consultant drawings and specifications to modernise Heartland House’s electrical infrastructure while enhancing its architectural features.
The project included a full electrical refurbishment of the ground floor tenancy, upgraded amenities throughout seven levels, replacement of the building’s emergency lighting system, installation of new revenue metering for every floor and extensive architectural lighting designed to completely transform the building after dark.
Our scope included:
Complete electrical refurbishment
Ground floor commercial tenancy fit-out
Main switchboard upgrades
New revenue metering for every floor
Distribution board upgrades
Emergency lighting replacement (approximately 170 fittings)
Exit lighting
Architectural feature lighting
Exterior façade lighting
Heritage façade lighting
Bathroom lighting
Custom LED strip lighting
Lift lobby feature lighting
LED cove lighting
Architectural Lighting That Defines the Building
Architectural lighting became the defining feature of this refurbishment, turning an ageing commercial building into a contemporary workspace with a premium visual identity.
Inside the building, ATL supplied and installed custom architectural lighting throughout the refurbished spaces, including recessed LED strip lighting, illuminated bathroom mirrors, feature lobby lighting, cove lighting and bespoke oval ceiling lighting that creates a premium first impression for visitors.
Externally, new LED strip lighting traces the roofline and highlights the heritage-style streetscape, dramatically changing the appearance of the building at night while complementing its original architectural character.
Complex Access, Careful Coordination
Some of the project’s most challenging work wasn’t the electrical installation itself—it was gaining access.
With limited space around the building, traditional elevated work platforms weren’t practical. ATL coordinated closely with specialist rope access contractors, Two Points Rope Access, who installed the aluminium extrusion system and assisted with the exterior LED lighting installation.
Access to the exterior façade required overnight works, early morning starts from 3am, boom lift coordination and temporary road management to safely work above the glass entrance canopy.
Behind the scenes, ATL also coordinated a full building shutdown over a weekend to replace the electrical metering infrastructure, ensuring every tenancy received its own dedicated revenue meter without disrupting weekday business operations.
Project Highlights
Premium Architectural Lighting
Hundreds of metres of custom LED strip lighting create a modern, high-end finish throughout the building, both internally and externally.
Heritage-Inspired Architecture
New lighting enhances the building’s replica heritage façade while blending seamlessly with the contemporary office extension.
Working Around a Live Building
The ground floor tenancy remained operational while refurbishment works continued, requiring careful staging and communication.
Specialist Installation Methods
From rope access installers to overnight façade works and full-building shutdowns, the project required detailed planning and coordination from start to finish.
Conclusion
Heartland House has been transformed from a dated commercial building into a premium office environment that feels modern, welcoming and visually striking both day and night.
Behind the premium finishes sits a completely upgraded electrical infrastructure, providing modern metering, emergency lighting and reliable electrical services for today’s commercial tenants while allowing for future growth.
Today ATL continues to provide ongoing maintenance, emergency lighting inspections, IQP testing and electrical support for the building.
