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Reads Quay

Reads Quay

Architects44

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A building that resonates with its people is a building that will be cherished and maintained. Read more
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Redevelopment of a historic industrial building on archaeologically significant land, blending original elements with modern office functionality to create a nurturing environment for positive interactions.

A building that resonates with its people is a building that will be cherished and maintained. Our redevelopment of this building has ensured its future and preserved a piece of history.

Breathing new life into a historic industrial building sited on archaeologically significant land, also the site of an old petrol station, was no mean feat. The building sits on a high-profile site on the river-frontage in the CBD. A complete redesign was required to strengthen the building and strip back the ad-hoc development that had occurred over the decades. Extensive design and engineering work was required to complete the project without disturbing the ground.

We maintained a sense of the original building and its beautiful elements while creating a modern and functional office space. The completed project balances and contrasts precise new materials and spaces with the rich textural elements of the original building. It juxtaposes open and closed, light and dark, public and private.

The front of the building features a welcoming reception, large open-plan sunlit auction and meeting room, and appealing public spaces. Deeper into the building is the open-plan work area, incorporating acoustic break out booths, flexible furniture and extensive acoustic treatment. Services are exposed and industrial in design. Interiors were created in conjunction with Pamela Hall of iD Workshop, and Graphic Design was by Rees Morley of Morley Design Group.

We aimed to develop a building that would nurture positive and productive interactions, and we are told by the client that it is doing just this. A building that resonates with and nurtures its people is a building that will be cherished and maintained. Our redevelopment of this building has ensured its future and the preservation of a piece of history.

Photography: Strike Photography

7600h 42m

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“For more than 15 years, the architect has made a contribution that goes well beyond a typical design engagement. Heritage preservation, the drafting of funding submissions and physical contributions to the internal preservation work were all part of a role that has resulted in an enhanced building preserved for future generations. This discreet structural upgrade retains the integrity of the original building. Carbon-fibre, inserted behind exceptional whakairo (carved wooden panels) helps bring the church up to code.”

NZIA Gisborne Hawkes Bay Architecture Award (2016) - Toku Toru Tapu

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