South Bloc

Occupying a prominent site in close proximity to Hamilton’s CBD this 1960’s building was originally designed by the Ministry of Works.  Over time the buildings crisp modernist lines had succumbed to subsequent layers of unsympathetic makeovers. The brief called for a sense of refined quality balanced with raw authenticity.  To achieve this, the interior and exterior facade was stripped back to reveal a cast insitu concrete structure.   The process that followed involved selectively reinstating and accentuating certain elements while editing out awkward junctions and details.  "A Hamilton building from the Ministry of Works’ 1960s heyday has been liberated of later accretions and awkward reworkings to reveal the original design and acknowledge the integrity of the original materials. The architects recognised the essential quality of the building and have carried out their interventions with care and also considerable flair. Workspaces and circulation have been improved enormously, modern services have been integrated sympathetically into the revived building, and natural light has been brought into the interior. The building is a strong presence on a long stretch of street, and significantly enhances the local cityscape." - NZIA New Zealand Architecture Jury Photographer - Alpha Imagery