Taking the initiative

Colour plays a significant role in the interior design of the new Westpac head office, with individual floors identified by specific palettes. These colours are representative of New Zealand's geological strata, sea, foreshore and forests.

Resene paints in a wide range of colours were chosen to portray the various geological references. The floor shown here has a forest theme and features Resene Madagascar on the lobby wall, with Resene Topspin and Resene Chameleon in the meeting rooms.

Resene Zylone Sheen paint, a waterborne low sheen, was chosen to provide a smooth, professional finish that is durable and easy to maintain. It was also specified because it is an Environmental Choice-approved paint, as is Resene Lustacryl a semi-gloss waterborne enamel that features on lobby walls.

Resene has a long history when it comes to pioneering moves to more environmentally friendly paints. The company introduced waterborne paints in the 1950s, and undertook the removal of lead in all paints in the 1970s. In 1996, the company took a further step forward, joining the Environmental Choice programme.

Marketing manager Karen Warman says joining the programme gave Resene the impetus to solve the common problem of customer headaches caused by strong-smelling paint. Resene chemists removed virtually all odorous material from Resene Zylone Sheen, Resene Zylone 20 and Resene Ceiling Paint.

The company also manufactures Resene Zylone Sheen VOC Free paint. As it is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), this paint can help prevent headaches, asthma, nausea, respiratory complaints, and allergic reactions. It also provides a better working environment.

For more details of environmental benefits, or to pick up a copy of the latest Resene The Range fandeck, visit a Resene ColorShop, or freephone 0800 Resene (737 363). Or visit the website: www.resene.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas