International flavour

The new Trends Centre has been designed to create a sense of community, with office space, apartments and a cafe all contributing to the mix

At this new commercial building the use of apartment, architecture, building, commercial building, condominium, corporate headquarters, elevation, facade, headquarters, house, metropolitan area, mixed use, neighbourhood, real estate, residential area, sky, window, gray — At this new commercial building the use of laminated glass in Vantage Aluminium's windows and sliding doors provides a demonstrable reduction in traffic noise and solar gain

A view of the water feature. - A gray, white

A view of the stairway. - A view architecture, daylighting, glass, handrail, house, stairs, structure, black, gray

A view of the hallway. - A view architecture, ceiling, daylighting, floor, flooring, interior design, light, lighting, lobby, tile, wall, wood, gray

Often the most important aspects of a project are the least visible features. One such detail is the framework, hidden by the outer layer of cladding, but still vitally important to the overall quality of the project.

As construction contractor for the Trends Centre, Dominion Constructors worked closely with the design team, advising on the practical aspects of the building design, and working to deliver a quality product on time and within budget.

Dominion Constructors constructed the five levels of reinforced concrete structural frame, and supplied and installed the precast concrete cladding panels and exterior aluminium windows and doors. The company also supplied and installed the two sets of steel stairs, architectural steelwork and the glass curtain wall in the five-level atrium, wrapping around the glass-fronted lift.

A view of the stairway. architecture, daylighting, glass, handrail, house, stairs, structure, black, gray — A view of the stairway.

Installing the louvre grill cladding to the front facade of the two levels of car parks and the two roller doors was also part of the company's brief.

Marketing manager for Dominion Constructors Carol West says the site posed a challenge, because it was mainly volcanic rock.

"We wanted to limit the amount of rock that needed to be broken up before we could sink the foundations, so we recommended redesigning them by removing tie beams and replacing them with pad foundations. This reduced the noise and allowed us to begin work on the structure earlier," she says.

A view of the water feature. gray, white — A view of the water feature.

"In addition, we had to ensure the safety of school children attending an adjoining primary school via a pedestrian access way. To do this, we constructed a temporary heavy ply-covered walkway, and had no safety issues during the project."

For details, contact Dominion Constructors, PO Box 17 254, Greenlane, Auckland, phone (+649) 526 5808, fax (+649) 526 5809. Or visit the website: www.constructors.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas

20 Sep, 2006

Hospitality Office

Trendsideas

Home kitchen bathroom commercial design

International flavour

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