St David II Redevelopment

This project involved the establishment of an open-plan shared office building, consolidating a mix of University of Otago administration departments within the existing St David II building situated on St. David Street. The redevelopment brings back into service a significant University asset, left vacant requiring major seismic strengthening upgrade works and provided opportunity to create a new building identity within the Main Campus. The project was delivered in two stages: · Stage 1 – Seismic strengthening upgrade Assessed as being less than 34% of NBS, additions included a new steel primary structure in conjunction with ground works beneath the building to raise the building to current standard. Rebuilding the main stairwells, as a continuation of the original building language, provided necessary transverse support. · Stage 2 – Building refit and new entrance A new entry addition, enclosing apertures made for new structure, re-orientates the building and entrance to St David St. This façade responds to the brief to provide an identity from the street and within the wider campus.  A light box with integrated signage the façade is clad in glass and illuminated at night, clearly delineating new from old. Box windows provide connection back to the street and campus. A steel entrance canopy folds into the interior to maintain presence and form a wind lobby to the dedicated entry area. The fitout design has been composed from clearly articulated building elements. The central core areas are defined by durable laminated wall panels, curved to streamline circulation. Timber screens and full height glass walls define meeting and support spaces with varying levels of privacy and acoustic treatment. Clear-spanning open plan office spaces are left to the perimeter with direct access to daylight. Slotted acoustic ceiling panels are suspended beneath visible services to provide attenuation and interest, paired to maximise efficient light fitting placements. Project completed 2018 NZIA Southern Architecture Award 2019 Resene Colour Award 2019