Building blocks

Successful commercial and residential property developments often have common elements.

Recognising this, Jal Developments, the commercial arm of Jalcon Homes, applied the formula used for hundreds of residential design-and-build projects to its first commercial venture, says company director, Lindsay Aitken.

"Our philosophy has always been to build safe, solid, architecturally sound buildings that complement today's lifestyle. This theory can also be applied to commercial property construction. With well thought-out design, quality construction techniques and materials, we can create environments where people enjoy working," he says.

As Registered Master Builders, Jalcon has been involved in the residential housing market for over 12 years. Recognising a growing demand for quality office space in the quickly expanding Botany area, the company approached Architects Patterson for a modern commercial design.

Peter Eising, director at the architectural firm, says that at the time, businesses in the area had little choice in terms of premises.

"The brief we developed with Jal Developments was for a quality business park in a stand-alone environment. We felt there was a need to create an entity that supported mixing business with pleasure integrating cafe and restaurant space for a self-sufficient feel," says Eising.

Following the success of previous award-winning developments, such as Axis, D72 and Site 3, the Laidlaw Business Park was designed around a central courtyard.

"This gives the facility a heart and encourages interaction between occupants along the inner breezeways overlooking the courtyard," says Eising. "The cafe breaks out into the courtyard, reinforcing the comfortable, relaxed layout."

"The buildings provide protection around the inner sanctuary, and senses are heightened by the sound of running water that drifts into all occupancies. The water feature, lift and stairs are the major design elements making up this space."

Because of its open, corner site position, the business park was given a modern facade, designed by the architect to be iconic and memorable.

"The cylindrical block turns the corner, and unites the individual buildings to read as one. The inclined, angular glazed faces create the impression that the buildings rise out of the ground, yet remain grounded. The stainless steelwork, supporting the louvres, accentuate this."

Designed around passive solar principles, mono-pitched roofs with large overhangs provide occupiers with protection from the rain, and sun shading.

As befitting a business park, the buildings are designed to allow various tenancy splits, within floor plates or over more than one floor.

Tenants at the Laidlaw Business Park so far include development company U-One, pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, recruitment professionals Madison Recruitment and Abbey Road Recruitment, as well as Northcrest Insurance.

Access to parking and motorways, as well as the quality of design are some reasons for the facility's success, says Andrew Olsen, marketing manager for Jal Developments.

"The balance between cost efficiencies and quality design was well managed, with the value of good design raising tenant expectations. Everyone likes working in an environment that they are proud of. It also makes good business sense."

For more information, contact Jal Developments, phone (09) 09 273 2467. Website: www.jalcon.co.nz. Architects Patterson, phone (09) 303 4004. Website: www.architectspatterson.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas