Formerly known as Eagle Technology House, 135 Victoria Street has undergone a remarkable transformation from a dated 1989 commercial office building into Wellington’s first large scale build-to-rent development in the heart of Wellington’s vibrant Cuba Street Precinct. Combining heritage character and contemporary design, the redeveloped building offers 108 one and two-bedroom, warm dry and healthy homes for Wellington renters, along with modern amenities and a ground-floor café. The building has been extensively refurbished targeting Homestar 7, and seismically strengthened to 100% of the New Building Standard (NBS) Yellow Book, ensuring long-term structural resilience while delivering a fresh new use to a well-located Wellington asset.

The Architectural Surfaces team at Tile Warehouse was proud to collaborate on this significant project, working alongside developer Cheops Holdings and construction partner McKee Fehl Constructors. Tile Warehouse's involvement included supplying the tile solution for the building’s entrance lobby — a space designed to make a lasting first impression.

The design brief from the Cheops interiors team called for a rectangular tile format that could be laid in varying directions to create subtle, engaging patterns. The material needed to convey the natural elegance of stone while offering the durability and consistency of porcelain. In response, Tile Warehouse proposed the Sensi Roma collection from Italy.

Presented in a versatile 600 x 1200mm format, Sensi Roma evokes the timeless beauty of Travertino Navona — one of the most prestigious varieties of travertine. Its refined aesthetic and full-bodied porcelain composition make it ideal for high-traffic commercial settings while imbuing the space with an understated sophistication. The result is an entrance that exudes a sense of welcoming grandeur, pairing well with the curved columns that lead to the lift core.

McKee Fehl is well known for their ability to adapt and enhance existing real estate stock, creating enduring spaces that respond to both contemporary demands and the character of Wellington. Their commitment to thoughtful design and material selection ensures their projects are built to last and serve the evolving needs of the city.

Tile Warehouse is proud to have played a part in this transformation — another outstanding example of sustainable urban redevelopment, brought to life through smart design and trusted partnerships.