New Shed 5, New Zealand

Project Overview

Shed 5 is one of Wellington’s most recognisable waterfront landmarks, originally constructed in 1887 and listed for both heritage and archaeological significance. Over its long history it has functioned as a warehouse, wool store and fish market, and today houses two of the city’s most popular restaurants. Located along one of the busiest pedestrian routes on the Wellington Waterfront, the building forms a critical connection between Queens Wharf Plaza and the main routes to the city and railway station.

S&T Lighting was engaged by Wellington City Council to design a sensitive exterior lighting scheme that would improve safety and amenity at night, while respecting the architectural and cultural value of this historic timber structure.

Client Brief

The primary objective was to improve visibility around the full perimeter of Shed 5, providing clear facial recognition at distance and safe illumination of the seaside promenade and wharf edge. The lighting needed to enhance pedestrian safety and wayfinding, deliver a warm and visually comfortable nighttime environment, and integrate seamlessly with the heritage character of the building. Minimum performance requirements were aligned with AS/NZS 1158.3.1subcategory PP1.

Design Response

Given the narrow promenade width and the need to preserve views for restaurant patrons, pole and bollard lighting was not viable. All luminaires were therefore discreetly integrated onto the building fabric. Downlights were concealed beneath windowsills to provide wharf deck and edge illumination, while linear bulkhead luminaires of controlled brightness were mounted at higher levels to provide vertical facial illumination without glare.

Heritage style coach luminaires were selected for their sympathetic form, combined with modern LED optics and performance. Linear luminaires on the glazed conservatory were carefully aligned with the existing timber mullions, ensuring the lighting visually reinforced the building’s architectural rhythm.

A key technical challenge was balancing vertical illumination for safety with strict control of glare and light spill into the restaurant interiors. This was achieved through precise luminaire selection, careful aiming, and close collaboration with conservation architects from WSP.

Innovation and Controls

All luminaires are integrated into the Wellington Waterfront Casambi wireless lighting control system, allowing individual fixture control and remote operation. Under normal conditions the system operates at approximately 40 percent output while still achieving PP1 compliance, with the ability to ramp to 100 percent output for events or emergency scenarios.

This level of control enables tailored lighting scenes along different parts of the promenade and supports both operational flexibility and energy efficiency.

Sustainability and Performance

The project prioritised long life, robust luminaires manufactured by BEGA, selected for their durability in a harsh marine environment and low maintenance requirements. Dimmable controls and adaptive operation significantly reduce ongoing energy consumption.

Outcome

The completed lighting scheme has transformed the nighttime experience of Shed 5 and its surrounding promenade. The lighting enhances safety, improves legibility of the waterfront edge, and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements both the historic building and the contemporary dining experience. Most importantly, it demonstrates how carefully considered architectural lighting can elevate public space while preserving cultural heritage.