Point of difference

An important urban design precept is creating inner-city architecture that sits well with its surroundings. However, this is one side of a balancing act the other is conceiving a building that has a sense of strong individual design.

The new Zone 23 complex in Mount Eden, Auckland, is just such an example of forward-looking architecture, built in sympathy with its surroundings, but with a character all of its own. The complex incorporates two levels of commercial office studios forming a platform for 26 maisonette-style two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Developer The Location Group of Companies set out to create an iconic building that would reflect well on its commercial occupants and at the same time offer a sense of community to commercial and residential occupants alike, says managing director Mark Weipers.

"We wanted a feel of inclusiveness, where small companies could create business among themselves as well as with the wider marketplace."

In order to be viable, the project had to make use of an existing building footprint and maximise the floor space permitted in the mixed-use zone.

"Other considerations were working in well with adjacent warehouses, offices, and residences," he says. "The complex also had to be completely unit-titled, with maximum flexibility in terms of configuration of the commercial office suites. From these factors rose the singular presence of Zone 23."

Architectural firm Avery Team Architecture's design response was a semi-industrial-look complex with strong facets, an internal communal courtyard, exposed services and street empathy.

Zone 23 offers a wealth of architectural elements but retains an overall simplicity of harmony and tone, says Weipers.

This harmony is partly due to the architects' use of durable, low-maintenance materials. These include exposed structural steel, cast concrete panels, solid plastered concrete block, GRC textured walls, colorsteel roofing, exposed steel, frameless glass canopies and anodised aluminium window joinery and sun louvres. Naturally, these materials also contribute to Zone 23's longevity.

"All interior and exterior services are exposed in an architecturally engineered grid system to maximise flexibility," says Weipers. "The exposing of the structure and essential services provides a contemporary functional aesthetic."

The nature of the building, with exposed elements and services, meant quality was paramount. The developer addressed this by bringing together a team of professionals who had worked closely and effectively together on previous projects.

"Zone 23's complexity meant it was hard to sell directly off the plans, but now the building is completed, people can actually touch and feel the reality," he says. "A lot of interest has now been generated from prospects who first saw the design 9-12 months ago but have returned to it now."

For more information, contact The Location Group of Companies, phone (09) 638 8370, fax (09) 638 8572. Email: markw@location.co.nz, website: www.location.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas