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CentrePort, Wellington 2010

The unusual triangular island site of the Customhouse building at CentrePort’s Harbour Quays, framed on one side by an active railway line, presented both a logistical challenge and the opportunity to design a building that demanded to be uniquely shaped.

Curved on one side, the form of the final building makes the most of its site to gain excellent natural light on all sides and to maximise sea views, while a two-storey rounded ‘nose’ to the building, like the prow of an ocean liner, links it visually to the nearby port.

The exterior features dramatically tessellated precast concrete panels, taking their design cue from the barriers that are used in the port area and incorporating the idea of the designation and protection of borders. Double-glazing runs horizontally in strips between the dynamic shapes of the concrete spandrels. On the west façade, adjacent to Jervois Quay, heavy exposure to the setting sun has been addressed with striking metal sunshades that unfold like flags along its curved length. At the top of the building, the series of rectangles that form the profile of the plantroom is suggestive of a stack of shipping containers.

The ‘nose’ of the building, also clad in timber, forms an inviting entry to a separate retail tenancy on the ground floor, while a planted rooftop garden above provides amenities for Customs staff. As part of achieving a NZGBC 5 Star rating the ceilings incorporate active chilled beams set between the exposed mass of double 'T' precast concrete floor beams. This creates a striking ceiling landscape set much higher than typical office buildings.


Completed in September 2010 at a cost of $29.4 million, the 5 Green Star Customhouse building is home to over 270 NZ Customs Service staff. Situated on a triangular site near Wellington's port, the building provides excellent natural light to its mainly open plan interior. Recessed ceiling mounted chilled beams ensuring good thermal comfort, sensor lighting and centralised catered kitchen facilities make the building light, interactive and welcoming.

Steelguard were pleased to provide the fire rated steel joinery for this exciting project.

Studio Pacific Architecture
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The Customhouse, Wellington
The Customhouse, Wellington
The Customhouse, Wellington
The Customhouse, Wellington

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The Customhouse, Wellington

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Studio Pacific was established in Wellington in 1992 by the three directors: Nicholas Barratt-Boyes, Stephen McDougall and Evzen Novak.

Prior to establishing the studio, all three directors studied and/or worked together in New Zealand before working for a period in Europe: Evzen studied in Berlin and worked in Switzerland and London, while Nick and Stephen were based in London and worked on projects throughout the U.K. and Europe.

The collective international experience gained by the directors in Europe set the platform and influenced the direction of the practice. From early design competitions and small residential commissions, Studio Pacific has evolved into an award-winning substantial and creative practice with diverse projects throughout New Zealand. Particular recognition has been given to the studio for working with the arts, urban regeneration, housing, masterplanning and contemporary workspace planning.

Studio Pacific undertakes a large range of projects, from small individual furniture items to large projects involving entire new towns. Our small-scale work includes new houses, additions and alterations, and retail work. Our larger schemes include large multi-unit residential and commercial buildings as well as masterplans and landscaping.

We enjoy having a mix of project sizes and types in the studio – each project has different challenges, and offers varied opportunities for us to express our creativity in response.