Southern Cross Northern Clinic Extension

By Archimedia

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The Client acquired two additional properties adjoining an existing elective surgical hospital and Archimedia prepared a Master Plan for the combined sites, to ensure staged development was consistent with the ultimate intent. Stage One involves the extension of an existing healthcare centre wing, three storeys high, with an elevated outlook over the Wairau Valley and Hauraki Gulf.

The circulation configuration of the existing building was analysed and a new external corridor was suspended at first floor level to connect the new extension into the existing circulation network.

An atrium was created between the existing and new buildings that allowed vertical circulation between three levels and connection to the future development.

The floor plan was configured to allow a number of entrances to each level from this atrium to facilitate flexible subdivision of the floors and provide front of house and back of house access where required.

The form was considered as a single tectonic element floating over a transparent glazed ground level, supported on basalt piloti.

This volume was glazed on three sides and an enveloping, shading skin of fine anodised aluminium louvres inclined subtly outward was placed within a white metal frame, creating a memorable icon on the elevated site, whilst providing a back-drop for signage over the valley below.

Timber wall linings are specified to the tenancies to evoke the sense of humane care provided.

Wairau Rd, Glenfield, 2018

Project Team:  Lindsay Mackie

Photography: Archimedia

Professionals used in
Southern Cross Northern Clinic Extension

Archimedia
Archimedia
Architects
Metro Commercial Interiors
Metro Commercial Interiors
Construction

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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.