A donation-funded Gaudi-inspired building is envisaged for beside a historic church in Arrowtown.
Architect Fred van Brandenburg came up with the idea for the "Olive Leaf'', planned for land beside St Patrick's Church on the corner of Hertford and Merioneth Sts, at an after-Mass function in 2015.
Noting the "small and overcrowded'' cottage beside the church and the relatively large parcel of unused land on which it sat, he designed a contemporary building which would "pay homage'' to the neighbouring church, rather than compete with it, he said.
In a brochure delivered to some Arrowtown homes, Mr van Brandenburg said the juxtaposition between the historic church and modern building, featuring a "sailing wing-like roof shaped as a leaf'' would represent a "different age''.
"We are now in a different period in history and the distinction in design will heighten the difference between the ages.''
The entrance forecourt would be 2m below ground level with a pedestrian ramp leading to a courtyard accessed from Hertford St to make it appear independent from the church.
A separate, private, entrance would be provided from Merioneth St for "short and long-term residents''.
"It is also envisaged that this area will remain a flexible living quarters, with possibly four bedrooms with en-suite facilities ... The lower level can have internal access to an upstairs living space.
"Its use can range from permanent, semi-permanent or temporary accommodation.''
The upper level would be, primarily, a parish hall but could be used for funerals, wedding celebrations, mini-conferences, as a "small sport hall'' or an exhibition space.
A courtyard had been designed for outdoor gatherings.
Mr van Brandenburg said there was no cost yet on the project, which would be done on a voluntary basis, the construction and upkeep of which would be funded entirely by donations.
"The project will only happen when the funds are in place,'' he said.
It would be developed by a non-profit charitable trust accountable to St Patrick's parish and the Diocese of Dunedin.
Mr van Brandenburg said Bishop Colin Campbell had sanctioned the idea.
"This was our first port of call.
"The bishop then sought consultation with the parish and when this was also done, he gave his approval.''
However, the project has already attracted some opposition, with about 150 people signing a petition sent to the bishop in March.
The primary concerns were that Mr van Brandenburg's proposal did not adhere to the Arrowtown Design Guidelines 2016, which says that in respect of churches and church grounds, specifically buildings, other structures or plantings must not compromise the "visual primacy'' of a church.
The Arrowtown Residential Historic Management Zone objectives include ensuring developments retain or enhance historic character and are located and designed in a manner which complements and respects the character of the area.
Mr van Brandenburg said guidelines were "not rules'' and all matters would be dealt with through the resource consent project.
"Rather than try to build to replicate the past, to compete with it, it is better to design a building in juxtaposition to complement it.''
Mr van Brandenburg said a resource consent application would be lodged with the Queenstown Lakes District Council as soon as it was completed.
