Architecture Bureau Studio Renovation

By Architecture Bureau

Profile
banner

Discretely located down a lane in Hamilton’s CBD, Architecture Bureau’s new studio was originally a redundant 1970s offices previously occupied by a law firm and a beautician. Overall the existing 75 sq m office space was inefficiently divided into four separate offices, open kitchen and meeting area devoid of natural light or obvious charm.

The architect needed to establish a studio after several years working from home that provided space to accommodate current and future practice needs. The architect’s brief was clear: to maximise space and light, create a ‘zoned’ open plan work space that provides uncluttered work areas and a break out space for client and contractor meetings.

The central challenge to reconfiguring the space was obtaining sufficient natural light to the far side of the interior, when the building only has windows along the eastern face and is without scope to add any more.

By removing the internal walls and lifting the ceiling height, the architect has united a rabbit warren of rooms into a single, cohesive space. The design is enhanced by the considered selection of a limited palette of finishes expand the space and creates an open, inviting, flexible, light-filled space that overcomes the limitations of the concrete block construction.

  • Material selection is deliberately pared back – with white painted walls with natural timber and small accents of black and graphics providing warmth and character.
  • Understated simplicity and clean lines are emphasised by poplar ply panelling and sharp negative detailing which elevates the materials use.
  • Innovative space saving solutions to mundane items such as the production board is discretely hidden by a diptych by Auckland artist Greg Page.

Together, the materials, finishes, and details and fused with the architects strikingly simple approach has transformed an empty and dated office suite into a contemporary, streamlined light-filled commercial space.

Architecture Bureau
Waikato
Get in touch
Visit Website

Professionals used in
Architecture Bureau Studio Renovation

About the
Professional

We believe people are at the heart of design, and bringing great design to our clients and communities we work with is our ultimate goal. Our practice is inspired by developing innovative ideas that are generated from the positive relationships with our clients. We also endeavour to ensure the experience of working with us is satisfying and memorable.

We remain flexible and communicative throughout the entire design and construction process to ensure that our design solutions reflect the needs and desires of our clients. We believe the creation of a design solution is not a solitary stoke of genius: but the result of a process that involves early ideas being tested, discussed, drawn and modelled, then re-considered and re-developed, to create a unique project that suits our clients’ brief and location.

The successful delivery of a project is not only possible by innovative design but includes sound technical solutions, thorough comprehensive documentation and strong collaborative relationships with fellow consultants and contractors. We receive consistent praise from contractors and consultants about our documentation, which results in fewer on-site variations and more control of the final project cost.

Our practice endeavours to focus attention on every detail throughout a project, and our work ranges in scale, type and budget.

Architecture Bureau Ltd is a Practice Member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.