The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
By Architectus
This project restores and extends the historic Thames Carnegie Library to provide archive and genealogy facilities for the Thames Coromandel area. The extended complex retains the visual primacy of the Carnegie Building, addresses the historic streetscape and reflects the innovative spirit that produced Thames buildings like the Carnegie.
Restoring and converting a listed heritage structure for use as an archive and genealogy centre provided unique design challenges. The specialised requirements of archive storage and management would compromise the heritage fabric of the original building so these have been designed as an extension to it.
Although built to provide town library facilities in the early 20th century, the library required careful conversion to satisfy the programme requirements of reception, research, storage, and administration. This has been achieved without compromising the heritage qualities of the building.
The extension required provision of archive storage, work areas and secure management of the archival material in controlled climatic conditions. In a manner that is a clear expression of function, current design and technology, the extension adds to the existing building in a complimentary way that enhances its architectural qualities. The planning provides for secure retrieval of required archival material and controlled research and management of it.
Location:
Thames, Coromandel District
Completion:
2014
Products used in
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
Professionals used in
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
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About the
Professional
Architectus is an architecture and urbanism practice designing places and spaces tuned to their communities, context and culture. Advocates for integrated design, we apply a rigorous and tailored approach to create environments that are inspiring and enduring.
For over 30 years, we have been realising innovative and bespoke projects around Aotearoa New Zealand, shaping precincts and campuses with people and sustainability at their heart. Through a collaborative and integrated approach, we have had many successful joint ventures with local and international partners, and we enjoy a strong relationship with our associated studios in Australia.
Our Purpose
We believe architecture begins with a social agenda. It must nurture and grow communities and individuals, and enhance its neighbourhood and city. Appropriate, efficient and elegant architecture for today becomes the urban fabric of the future – we design for this longevity, to create places that will serve generations to come.
Design Philosophy
While a good project must firstly solve practical needs and be viable, a truly great project must embody a community’s broader cultural context: its urban and architectural setting, its local geography and ecology, and the stories of its people. The more meaningful a place becomes through a true sense of belonging, the greater the value and longevity it has for its community.
We believe placemaking in Aotearoa is grounded in a bicultural creative process. We partner with mana whenua to embed their aspirations and cultural narratives across functional, ceremonial, spatial and artistic dimensions.
Underpinning these human stories is our responsibility to be judicious with natural resources. Environmentally sensitive architecture requires us to be energy-efficient and space-efficient, and to use low-carbon materials and ethically sourced products.
This is a holistic approach that embeds our practice in a continuum of artistic and technical progress, so the architecture we are responsible for will be relevant for decades to come.
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