Scale and presence

Given the contemporary, forward-looking ethos of Interplex@Albany, it is understandable that a company with a long track record of innovation has chosen to locate its new, high-tech head office here.

Diversified technology company 3M's tradition of scientific innovation has become a central aspect of its self-image and vision for the future. The company's new head offices at Interplex are an important aspect of this, says managing director Paul Madden.

"We have come to this address from a site first developed in 1962, with premises that had largely remained untouched since alterations in 1988," says Madden. "Poor utilisation of space in the floor plan of our old building meant our various business divisions tended to be isolated. There were too many individual offices and the spaces were too noisy to be conducive to collaboration."

In contrast to these shortfalls, the new building presents a welcoming, well set-out head office. Athfield Architects, the designer, ensured a dramatic impact for clients, customers and other visitors to the building.

"Visitors to 3M are greeted by a double-height atrium and behind this, a timber elevator and stairwell surround that create a natural, warm ambience," says Madden. "To the left is a casual gathering area for visitors to relax in and to the right is 3M's Innovation Centre, where clients can learn more about 3M's diverse brands."

Beyond the public spaces, 3M's new offices facilitate many different work styles. This was achieved by providing a variety of spaces for both work and relaxation quiet rooms, hot desks for sales staff, meeting rooms, breakout areas with kitchens and a central, sheltered courtyard.

Equally important were the many technical spaces vital to a diversified, technology-based company. These include product testing and demonstration areas, wet and dry laboratories, an automotive laboratory, and a display and graphics laboratory.

"3M produces thousands of imaginative products, and is involved in scores of markets from health care and highway safety to office products, abrasives and adhesives," says Madden. "Our success begins with an ability to apply innovative 3M technologies often in combination to real-world customer needs."

Many of the company's products were used in the construction and fit-out of its head office. The diversity reflects the company's range of business segments and the high-tech nature of its products.

To enhance display signage and minimise light wasted through reflection, 3M Light Enhancement Film was used, together with Envirolite office lighting. Colourful 3M graphic window and wall films feature extensively throughout the fit-out.

3M projection system super-close projectors and digital screens are used in the Innovation Centre and other areas. Vikuiti rear projection, another 3M-related communications technology, is installed in the Innovation Centre, alongside a 3M touch panel overlay system.

3M commercial graphics products found in the building include Dinoc Films vinyl films that simulate a variety of natural and synthetic finishes, including wood, granite, marble, and stucco. These are featured in the staff shop and again in the Innovation Centre.

Several 3M construction consumables were also used in the building's creation, including abrasives, adhesives, masking tapes and films. 3M structural glazing tape was used on all glazing systems in the base building. Other 3M industrial products used include 3630 Translucents, 3M Scotchlite Grade Reflective, 3M Scotchlite Diamond Grade Reflective Sheeting, and 3M Dusted Crystal Frosted Film.

In keeping with the company's leading-edge technology profile, Cat 6 structured cabling systems are installed throughout. 3M's own Volition cabling solutions fitted the bill.

"This building really is a flagship for 3M today," says Madden. "It incorporates many of our products, facilitates the operation of our various departments and presents an informative, impressive and comfortable space that we are proud to invite clients to."

For further details on the 3M head office and the company's products, contact 3M, 94 Apollo Drive, Interplex@Albany, North Shore City 0632, phone (09) 477 6510. Website: www.3M.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas