value-added options

The concept of affiliated companies working in concert may not be a new one. However, The Annex at 49 takes this notion and amplifies it, offering a comprehensive design studio environment for the commercial and residential markets.

Most people are aware of boutique businesses that offer, say, interior design services, with a retail arm selling soft furnishings and the like, says Shelley Brockliss, manager of Yellowfox design, one of the companies behind The Annex at 49.

"What we plan to achieve with The Annex at 49 is to provide clients with a single destination, where they can find architects, landscape designers, graphic and interior designers, builders, quantity surveyors, custom furniture design, and so forth. The limits to who can link in with The Annex at 49 are practically boundless."

At present The Annex at 49 encompasses eight studio spaces, shared meeting rooms and a comprehensive library of architecturally-specific products.

High-profile, independently owned companies with an existing identity have the ability to work alongside like-minded contemporaries.

The collaborative ethos driving The Annex at 49 also extends to its own inception. Yellowfox, in partnership with iCandi, was commissioned to establish an innovative working environment, and turned to its own network of associates to realise the concept.

"Yellowfox has always given priority to developing and maintaining strong associations with well-known companies in design and construction."

Companies such as 3form, Resene, Ontera, Tile Warehouse, Chaincraft and more, have played a role in taking The Annex at 49 from vision to realisation.

As much as The Annex at 49 is a space for designers to ply their trade, it is an endorsement of the very products we specify to our clients."

"Every client who walks through the doors of The Annex at 49 has access to a creative, design-specific hub with add-on services, which, in today's busy world, is invaluable," says Brockliss.

To contact Yellowfox Auckland, PO Box 11282, Ellerslie, Auckland, New Zealand, phone (+64) 9 525 3450. Email: design@yellowfox.co.nz, or visit the website: www.yellowfox.co.nz.

First impressions, no matter what the context, do count. Reputation, social responsibility, research and development and adaptability all contribute to the overall perception of a company or place.

This is why Yellowfox and iCandi, the companies behind The Annex at 49, chose to work with some of New Zealand's premier organisations on the fit-out of The Annex at 49 offices and studios among them, Resene.

"For more than 60 years, Resene has forged a reputation of excellence in manufacturing quality, durable and innovative products with strong and exciting colours to meet their customers' needs," says Shelley Brockliss, manager of Yellowfox.

"Resene's products include a comprehensive range of paint and specialist coatings for the commercial and residential sectors. This is backed by an equally exhaustive variety of reference materials and services."

For The Annex at 49, Brockliss and team chose a base palette of Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream from The Range Whites & Neutrals' for the ceiling, walls and trim. This was augmented by colours from the latest Resene The Range 2011/2012 of Resene Spotlight, Resene Koru, Resene Rock 'n' Roll and Resene Pukeko. Resene Blast Grey 2, from the Resene Metallics and Special Effects range, was used to give an industrial feel to the iron cross bar.

For an innovative added twist, in the meeting rooms and studio spaces the Resene Spotlight yellow accents were given a coating of Resene Write-on Wall paint, effectively turning them into whiteboard surfaces.

"Resene is renowned for its environmentally friendly stance, with an extensive range of Environmental Choice-approved products," says Brockliss.

"Environmental Choice New Zealand-approved Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel was used to provide a premium finish and ensure long-term durability."

Wallpapers from the Resene Walltrends Collection by Vision Wallcoverings and also the Skin, Glamour and Neo collections complement the painted finishes.

"Vision Wallcoverings are to the fore of colour and design, making them highly desirable. Local design and manufacturing is a definite plus too, as the options available match the Aussie lifestyle," says Brockliss.

To contact Resene, freephone 1800 738 383, or visit the website: www.resene.com.au.

Creating a point of difference in any interior scheme is the goal for every designer. Innovative products that combine form and function will always have a place.

Parametre by 3form is just such a product. Made from non-woven polyester, this 3D, flexible textile is anti-microbial, anti-static and while it looks delicate, is surprisingly sturdy, making it ideal for The Annex at 49, says Shelley Brockliss, manager of Yellowfox.

"Parametre is the latest in screening products. Lightweight and expandable, Parametre allows you to create intimate spaces that play with light and shadow an ever-changing outlook of transparency and solidity."

Parametre is available through a network of specialists throughout Australia and New Zealand, along with 3form Varia and 3form Chroma, says Paul Vaughan, 3form commercial consultant.

"Parametre is available in three patterns Mega was chosen for the The Annex at 49 fit-out and eight colours. Again, for The Annex at 49, Eggshell White and Green Apple were specified.

"Three standard sizes are available, however Parametre can be customised to any size up to 4m wide by 4.5m high."

Industrial-strength magnets hold Parametre in place and make it easy to move when spaces need to adapt.

"Ultimately, it was Parametre's adaptability that sold us on the product," says Brockliss. "With the minimum of fuss, we were able to configure the layout to suit the current needs of The Annex at 49. However, just as easily, we can reconfigure the whole space as needs change an invaluable feature in a growth industry."

As a centre of progressive design, it was important for The Annex at 49 to be a showcase for innovative products. Environmental consciousness is also to the fore, with consumers calling for products that have a minimal effect on the environment, says Brockliss.

"Varia by 3form is a product that encompasses the latest technologies with a commitment to the environment. Made from a minimum of 40% pre-consumer recycled resin, Varia is ideal for any sustainable project."

In a commercial setting where establishing a sense of collaboration and openness was paramount, Varia has again proved itself up to the task.

"Varia consists of up to five separate layers, with a pattern and/or colour layer interposed with translucent layers in a variety of textured finishes," says Vaughan. "With nine collections offering more than 100 patterns, Varia is as diverse as the name would suggest and brings a quintessential touch of individual style to any interior or architectural installation."

Workplace safety is also a big concern. Varia is nontoxic, carries a Euroclass B-S1 fire rating and has an impact strength 40 times that of glass.

"In every aspect Varia represents the melding of high design with total freedom you choose the look you desire and Varia delivers," says Brockliss.

For further information, contact 3form Australasia, phone 1300 0 3form. Email: info@3form.com.au, or visit the website: www.3-form.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas