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Sandfield’s identity – creating “order” from a natural “chaotic” state – and an analogy with a craft moving across a body of water, creating formal order in it’s wake – was developed to generate the forms of metal ceiling and lobby lighting. The external natural world was aligned with the “chaotic” and progressively refined towards the central lobby, where “order” is expressed through light falling on the sculptural forms of walls, floors, ceiling and furniture. Apertures in the ceiling are the key motif expressing the directional idea of a wake or wave. The studio, representing the dynamic business world, is animated by shafts of coloured light, visible to staff, but with-held from visitors. The materials reference a progression from abstract to crafted. The perimeter envelope is plasterboard lined, with structural concrete left natural and steel exposed. Workspaces are carpeted under an undulating metal ceiling. Visual contrast to computer screens is provided by timber enclosing the core, extended to flooring, ceiling and furniture in the arrival and café zones. The timber core cladding is punctuated by back-lit coloured incisions, visible to staff, but not visitors.

Ponsonby, 2014

Project Team

  • Lindsay Mackie
  • Rachel Vulinovich

Photography:  Archimedia

Press & Awards

  • DINZ Best Awards Spatial-Offices and Workplace Environments Bronze Award 2016
  • Interior Awards Workplace Finalist 2015
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Professionals used in
Sandfield Office

About the
Professional

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and Green Star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Identity

  • Archimedia practices architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
  • Archimedia investigates “identity” with each client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.
  • Archimedia respects all cultures and their protocols and the fundamental connectedness of all humanity.

Human Experience

  • Archimedia is ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
  • Archimedia approachs design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.

Environment

  • Archimedia strives for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
  • Archimedia believes in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.
  • Archimedia believes in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.

Process

  • Archimedia believes that the very best process and the very best technology are critical contributors in our quest for the exceptional.
  • Archimedia invests resources to create a better design solution.

Collaboration

  • Archimedia believes in collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
  • Archimedia's staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible.