Interrogating the brief – positively, cooperatively – often produces projects that go beyond the original vision to help businesses realise their potential.

Thoughtful architecture can solve problems and create new possibilities. This sophisticated animal-medicine hospital is a case in point.

The initial brief was straightforward. Rangiora Vet Centre asked us to replace the 50-year-old 500 sq metre facility with one that met the practice’s unusual needs – their patients are a mix of small and large animals and exotic creatures from Orana Wildlife Park. They also run full equine medicine and dairy farm services.

We worked with the directors to dig into their requirements and together developed a more ambitious brief: enable the practice to deliver the highest quality veterinary care – and enable it to double in size.

The result is a 1,000 sq metre state-of-the-art facility with sophisticated animal medicine facilities: in-house laboratory, pharmacy, digital x-ray suite, six consultation rooms, three surgery rooms, sterile areas, and an isolation facility.

It takes the form of a cluster of farm buildings that riff on Kiwi agricultural vernacular. The barn rooves, clad in profiled metal, wrap down over the walls and timber details add texture and colour.

Well-connected internal spaces maximise functionality. And at the heart of the building a central courtyard creates natural light and ventilation for circulation spaces and informal work areas. North-facing open-plan office spaces and a conference room look out to Mount Grey.

The centre has gone from strength to strength, gaining NZVA vet-hospital accreditation – only the fourth in the country – in 2016.