Winning aesthetic

The central hub of Christchurch's largest tourist accommodation required a look that would reflect both a predisposition to contemporary design and our country's natural heritage.

Architectural designer Greg Young of Life Style Architecture took the Commercial Interiors Award in the Architectural Designers/Resene 2009 National Design Awards for his design of the reception building at the new Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park. As well as a large reception counter, features include a drive-through camper van check-in, a waiting room, meeting room, staff room, offices, storage space and toilets.

Local materials are reflected in the palette of timber, stone, glass and plaster. Timber has been used on the exterior as shiplap cladding, and internally as acoustic panels. Greywacke has been used on columns and walls both inside and outside. Even the safety elements on the glazing are silver ferns.

The expansive glazing creates a welcoming embrace for weary travellers, and is protected from thermal overload by timber louvres and thermal glass.

Soft, natural colours and furnishings complete the welcoming ambience, with one-way glass in the offices and staff areas offering a discreet overview.

The judges considered the designer had created a smart, distinctive scheme with strong visual appeal.

Noel Jessop Architecture won the Commercial Industrial Award for the Downey Construction offices. The design brief was to create an iconic structure to represent the construction company and to house its two divisions commercial construction and residential housing. The storage warehouse was a major component and had to blend as a whole with the office wing. Concrete tilt-panels house this portion, incorporating highlight windows and decorative cut-outs to help align its bulk with the administrative core.

A central atrium with a black oak spine splits the layout, with full-height glass walls at each end of the offices. The exterior is similarly divided one side of the atrium is clad in aluminium Alucobond, while the opposite side features local Hinuera stone tiles. The tiles contribute a softer textural element, without being out of place on a commercial structure.

As the building is on an elevated site, its design takes advantages of views across the Waikato basin from all office areas. Some views are framed by horizontal windows, and elsewhere, full-height joinery allows even more of the outlook to be enjoyed.

The judges considered this a beautiful composition of forms, creating a sculptural addition to the landscape.

The awards are a highlight of the ADNZ year, and aim to foster innovation and boost design standards. In addition, they present an opportunity for members to showcase their individual talents.

For details, contact ADNZ, phone 03 358 0112, fax (03) 358 9040, website: www.adnz.org.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas