Fine lines

Office towers are generally not built by family-owned businesses the obvious reason being the huge capital outlay required.

In this case however, family-owned Manson Developments reversed this trend with Lumley Centre. Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the tower retains the neo-classical facade of its predecessor the Northern Roller Mills Building.Acknowledging the history of the site and the environment that surrounds it was key to the design.

It celebrates Auckland as one of the world's finest yachting environments, says principal architect Richard Goldie.

"The tower, proposed at the time of the last America's Cup, celebrates New Zealand as a great yachting nation. The building plan developed was very rational the challenge was to articulate the rectangular floor plate and transform it into a sculptural statement."

"Utilising the imagery of yachting, the broad facades of the floor plate are split by a diagonal sail form. Two of these sails meet at the prominent corners, like yachts rounding the mark," says Goldie.

After acquiring the site, Manson Developments approached the main tenant, Simpson Grierson, who had specific interior layout requirements, says commercial manager Culum Manson.

"The tower was designed from the inside-out. The rectangular floor plan optimises the floor area, yet, the exterior detailing disguises the building's shape. From every angle it looks quite different."

The tower's level nine foyer with a cafe, meeting areas, several artworks and a river acknowledges evolving business styles, says Manson.

"There is a definite need for vibrant foyer space, as foyers and cafes are legitimate meeting places. As well as making the entrance memorable for staff and guests, we wanted to extend the work environment," he says.

Successful completion of this project generates significant credibility in a construction arena dominated by a few large players, says Ted Manson.

"The building of the actual tower is huge, but so is the whole infrastructure process. This includes continuing design, resource consents, building consents, financing, legal documentation and administration, which is every bit as involved as the actual construction. The successful completion is a tribute to the skill of all members of the Manson Development team."

New owners DB Rreef, who manage a $10 billion property portfolio, are pleased with the building's quality, says Tony Gulliver, head of development and building services.

"The project has been marked by open and direct dealings with Manson Developments. Manson understood the needs and aspirations of all parties and delivered a building to satisfy all concerned. We are also pleased to have Simpson Grierson, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, and Lumley as tenants in our trust's major New Zealand investment."

For further details, contact Manson Developments, phone (09) 377 3660. Website: www.manson.co.nz. DB Rreef, phone (+612) 9249 9500, website: www.dbrreef.com.

Story by: Trendsideas