Axis Sports Medicine.

As part of extending their reach across Auckland, Axis Sports Medicine secured the top floor of a new building at the Southern Cross North Harbour campus. The building is elevated above the Wairau Valley and enjoys panoramic views over the North Shore and Hauraki Gulf.

The Functional Brief includes eight consultation rooms and a Rehabilitation Gymnasium that must also be accessible to the Inpatient Hospital and after hours; together with Patient Concierge spaces and administration support.

The fit out was intended to express Axis’ core values and identity and a non-clinical environment that patients would feel comfortable approaching was paramount.

The arrival sequence begins at the Main Entry, leading upwards through a light-filled “atrium,” which opens into the arrival space. A key opportunity was the volume available on the penthouse level, meaning that a 3m ceiling height could be achieved. An early decision was made to focus on light and space and simplifying the subdivision of the space as much as possible.

Waiting is clustered into precincts adjoining Reception and semi-private personal consultation alcoves, which whilst located at the centre of the plan, maintain their visual contact with the natural world through the transparent spaces placed around them. Modular ottoman seating means this larger space can easily be re-configured for promotional functions.

A transparent and translucent sleeve of spaces is located around the edge of the fully glazed building envelope, ensuring abundant natural light and outlook to the panoramic views. Solar gain and glare are managed by a homogeneous screen of external horizontal louvres.

Consultation Rooms and a Staff Room / Training Room are placed in this sleeve and glazed along the internal walls with translucent glass, maximising admission of natural light into the floor plate, whilst also providing axial views down corridors to the exterior.

The Gymnasium completes the transparent sleeve in the south-eastern corner of the plan, where outlook to the landscape and the distant City can be optimized. The Gym acts a lens for transmitting light and view to the spaces located at the heart of the plan.

A central, timber-lined “solid” mass containing administration, staff support, toilets and a flexible Procedure Room / Treatment Room suite opening directly to the Gym anchors the interior composition as a humane, welcoming device with a calming and familiar materiality.

A modulated timber screen creating visual separation between the “quiet” consultation alcoves and patients waiting is punctuated by black steel frames for display and green planting. This timber screen is returned and extended across the ceiling, creating a dynamic sense of enclosure, attracting patients toward it.

A semi-private zone of patient change rooms, lockers and toilets is located in the southern corner of the plan.

The materials palette is restrained to glass, translucent glass, natural timber, charcoal surfaces and trim, “Axis orange” branding and complimented with contrasting soft-furnishings and colour accents.

Axis was designed to consistently demonstrate an holistic and healthy approach to everyday working, through the design of the ergonomically best practice stand-up reception desk, and sit-stand consultation workstations.

Wairau Rd, Glenfield, 2018

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