THE NEW CONVENT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2123, 13 December 1880, Page 3

THE NEW CONVENT.

The present Convent in Barbadoes street being found too small for the religious and educational requirements of the Catholics of Christchurch and its vicinity, it has been determined to erect a more commodious building on that block of land at the corner of Barbadoes street and the Ferry road, which will be remembered by old residents as the locale of the brick works of Messrs Jackson and Bishop. Plans have been prepared for the now convent by Mr T. B. Jacobsen, architect, of Hereford street West. The building will be of the Gothic order, three storeys in height, measuring 42ft, from the ground floor line to the roof plates, the roof rising a farther height of 16ft,, making a total of 58ft. from base to apex. The building will have a frontage of 50ft. on the Ferry road, whilst on Barbadoes street it will extend about 115 ft. Corridors, 10ft. in width, will intersect the entire length of each floor from north to south. The ground floor is thus apportioned :—On the western aide, at its north end, a drawing-room, 20ft, by 15ft. ; next, a schoolroom, 44ft. by 20ft., fitted with folding doors to divide the same into class rooms if required; a study, 20ft. by 24ft,, and two refectories, one for the boarders and the other for the sisters. On the eastern side of the corridor is a music room, 17ft. by 14ft.; prioress’ study, 17ft. s lift, ; community room, 26ft. x 17ft.; storeroom, Bft. x 17fti; pantries, scullery, linen cupboards and domestic offices, and a kitchen 19ft. x 17ft. 4in. (which is to be fitted with the large prize kitchen range with which Mr J, T. Watters took the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s prize. Access is gained to the first floor by two grand flights of stairs, each 4ft. 6in in width, landing on a corridor of the same width as that on the ground floor —loft. On the western side of this is a large dormitory, 74ffc. x 20ft., adjoining which is the lavatory and bath room, each 15ft. x 20ft. At the north end are two sleeping cells. On the eastern side will be located an infirmary for boarders 14ft. x 17ft,, and a storeroom, also an infirmary for the sisters 15ft. x 17ft., adjoining which is a cell. Then follows a workroom 18ft. x 17ft. and two more cells. The second floor will be reached by similar staircases to those already described as leading from the ground floor to the first floor, where a corridor of similar proportions to the others bisects the storey. A large dormitory, 67ft. x 20ft.; a lavatory and bath room as on the first floor and cells are planned on the western half. On the east side is planned another dormitory, also a wardrobe, 14ft. x 17ft. 6in. and four cells. Above the third storey, in the _ roof, two granaries are provided. The risk of fire is guarded against by four large tanks on the roof, to which the water will bo forced by hydraulic pressure. It is almost needless to add that the building, every apartment of which will bo plastered throughout, will be | lighted with gas. As already stated, the Gothic stylo of architecture will bo adhered to. It was originally intended to erect it of stone, but financial obstacles necessitated the adoption of timber. Admission is gained to the school from Barbadoes street, a flight of seven steps leading to a handsome double door, sft. in width, the porch to which is adorned by point Gothic verge boards, whilst on either side pilasters are shown, reaching to the roof, and terminating in an elaborate gable, surmounted by a very handsome floriated cross. The Convent will bo well provided with light, all the windows, more than sixty in number, are square headed, with label mouldings; twenty-throe of the windows look out on Barbadoes street, whilst twenty-five are on the eastern side. The Ferry road frontage is very tastefully arranged, being pierced for ten lights, and an entrance similar to the one already described, whilst the verge boards at the gables are marvels of skill in Gothic architfctural ornamentation. A dividing string course runs between each floor on the exterior of the building. The timber will be of a very substantial character, the principal studs are to he 6 x 6, and nothing bat red pine and totara will bo used iu the building. The roof will be utilized for ventilation by means of louvres. It will be close boarded, covered first with hair felt, and then corrugated iron, which will be painted to harmonise with the woodwork, the whole of which will be rusticated. The convent is expected to be out of the contractor's hands during the first week in July, 1881.