the right ingredients

Architectural innovation is often about thinking outside the square. For the Heards building refurbishment, Ashton Mitchell Architects had to take this literally

The solidity of the heards building ois expressed gray, black — The solidity of the heards building ois expressed by the new void in the centre. Ashton Mitchell Architects won the commissions to design the refurbishment of the building.

The solidity of the heards building ois expressed apartment, architecture, ceiling, condominium, daylighting, estate, floor, flooring, glass, handrail, hardwood, house, interior design, lobby, property, real estate, brown, gray

The solidity of the heards building ois expressed apartment, architecture, building, ceiling, corporate headquarters, daylighting, glass, headquarters, interior design, lobby, structure, window, black

Designing a refurbishment to a historic building provides a one-off opportunity for the architects. In addition to the intrinsic heritage aspects of the job, such projects often allow the team to explore the possibilities of mixed-use developments.

For Ashton Mitchell Architects, the redevelopment of the former Heards sweet factory in Parnell provided just such an opportunity.

"Auckland doesn't have a good track record when it comes to preserving its historic buildings, so this was a particularly interesting project," says architect Peter Ashton. "As expected, it threw up a few buildability issues working with such a solid structure that wasn't actually square presented numerous challenges."

Ashton says the company's collaborative design approach helped ensure a successful outcome.

"Our aim is always to bring fresh thinking to each project. We encourage clients, consultants and contractors to engage in the process."

Ashton says the team environment reinforces the firm's holistic approach to architecture one that integrates design, innovation, and the related disciplines of time, cost and buildability.

For more details, contact Ashton Mitchell Architects, PO Box 90-674, Auckland Mail Centre 1030, phone (09) 366 1751. Website: www.ashtonmitchell.com.

Story by: Trendsideas

18 Dec, 2007

Renovation Office

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