Located in Palmerston North’s industrial zone, this striking new building looks to redefine the industrial stereotype and how we perceive concrete as a building material.

In designing the new head office for Higgins Family Holdings Ltd, a client involved in the concrete industry, a key design motivator was to showcase concrete as a material that extended the perception of simply being used for structure, and reflecting its beauty and versatility as a finishing material within the overall aesthetic.

The concept for the design was the combination of a series of primary and secondary elements that come together to complete the overall form. Careful consideration was given to the treatment of the exterior façade and materials used, to balance the scale of the structure, breaking it into smaller components through changes in material and form.

Beyond the facade the familiar icons of architecture give way to a dramatic use of light and space throughout the interior. The complimentary of solid and void creates a spatial dialogue in both two and three dimensions. Exposed concrete in various finishes has been used extensively, and when balanced with the timber glulam portals, ensures the primary structure of the building is expressed and understood.

The building has been designed to provide a considered exposure to natural light and ventilation to all areas, affording an opportunity to incorporate sustainable features as measured by the New Zealand Green Building Council, showcasing that concrete can be part of our sustainability vision. The building is currently in the process of achieving a Green Star rating with the NZGBC.

The strong uncomplicated solid form, with its floating expanse of glass, heightens the experience of the site, giving the feeling of being close to the elements but protected from them at the same time, creating a sense of shelter in close connection with its environment.