Integrated design by Stiffe Hooker

In an ideal world retail centres would not grow in an ad hoc way they would be planned from scratch to best suit the needs of all end users.

The Silverdale Centre is such a development. The project was designed and engineered by the team at Stiffe Hooker, with the company involved right from the start. Director Kevin Mullaly says Stiffe Hooker was commissioned to create a high-quality shopping environment to service and meet the needs of the growing community.

"The retail element needed to be set within an infrastructure framework to cater for pedestrian and vehicle circulation, landscaping and public safety. It also needed to deliver best practice in ESD and crime prevention through environmental design."

Mullaly says developing the hillside site was challenging, with excavation required. This meant dealing with different levels, moisture and prevailing winds. Basement car parks helped ensure a negative was turned into a positive.

The design team also referenced local history and geology in the design, notably the sedimentary rock stratification, the original kauri forest on site, and the spherical concretions found in the area.

Mullaly says the design team was conscious of the need for a design that would inspire visitors and tenants and provide an easy and cohesive flow through the various precincts.

"The success of this project can be attributed to the collaboration between designers, and to the clients being open-minded towards suggested concepts and material selections."

For details, contact Stiffe Hooker, 3a Melrose St, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, phone (09) 520 4400, fax (09) 524 8022. Email: kevinm@stiffehooker.co.nz. Web: www.stiffehooker.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas