2011
The Rock wins RMB Commercial Project of the Year at the National Registered Master Builders Awards
The Rock has won the RMB Commercial Project of the Year at this year's National Registered Master Builders Awards. Recognised as New Zealand's premier building competition for construction companies, the awards set the standard for construction in New Zealand, acknowledging leading projects across the country that inspire through their commitment to excellence in construction. The finalists were the Gold Award winners from 14 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand.
The judges' citation for The Rock noted, "this extremely complex build was executed to perfection, resulting in a truly sensational building and environment to be in. The construction team, who made a superb job of a very innovative structure, is a deserving recipient of this year's RMB Commercial Project of the Year."
(28 November 2011)
The Rock wins international design award at the Inside World Festival of Interiors
Following its success in a number of prestigious New Zealand and local awards, The Rock has received recognition on the world stage, winning the Transportation category at the international Inside World Festival of Interiors, the interior design section of the World Architecture Festival. Held in Barcelona, the Inside Festival celebrates the world's finest interiors, judged by a panel of internationally respected designers and key industry figures. Studio Pacific director Nick Barratt-Boyes and Warren and Mahoney Executive Director Ralph Roberts, both of whom were key members of The Rock's design team, travelled to Barcelona to present the project to the judging panel and ultimately to collect the award. The judges commented, "we were impressed that the project celebrated the local heritage through symbolic design that didn't adhere to the stereotype of a typical transport building.”
(8 November 2011)
The Rock shortlisted for The Great Indoors Award
The Rock was a finalist in the 'Serve and Faciliate' category of The Great Indoors Award, an international biennial interior design award initiated and organised by high-profile Dutch design magazine Frame. Held in Maastricht, the awards aim to reward excellence in interior design as well as prompting debate and raising the profile of interior design across the world. The jury noted, "A departure from anticipated airport blandness and overused metaphors of flight, The Rock's dramatically craggy structure shelters an intimate, cave-like interior, providing a public space with a sense of privacy."
(8 November 2011)
NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards 2011
Two Studio Pacific projects received awards at the NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards this year, with The Rock winning a Commercial Architecture award and the Customhouse on Wellington's waterfront winning an award in the Sustainability category.
The judges' citation for The Rock noted, "Different, without a doubt, the building dubbed ‘The Rocks’ puts its stamp, ironically, on New Zealand's air travel landscape. In its defiance of analogies about the freedom and levity of flight, the building's external language is certainly unusual. Cavernous, introverted, and mostly slick interiors articulate a singular response to geometrical and technical challenges. A collegial project team, knitted together seamlessly from two prominent practices, has produced a distinctive Wellington gateway. This provocative intervention begs the question: What next?"
On the Customhouse, the judges commented, "Close collaboration between Architect and engineers has resulted in a building in which sustainability is integrated seamlessly into the architecture, an approach exemplified by the pre-cast concrete flooring that provides abundant thermal mass and accommodates chilled beams and lighting. The building is a welcome departure from the commercial office norm of a flat rectangular volume capped by a modular suspended ceiling grid. In the interior, logical planning and visual interest follow the lead of the sustainable services design. On the exterior, coloured and faceted precast concrete panels with accompanying sunshades visually articulate the façade while significantly reducing solar gain. What is refreshingly bold about this project is that the architecture and services direct the interior planning and provide an elegant and articulate space ripe for an integrated fitout."
(8 November 2011)
Summer Research Scholar 2011/2012
Our summer scholar for the 2011/2012 period is James Sullivan from Victoria University. James is studying towards a Masters in Building Science and has a particular interest in energy performance and sustainability; his research scholarship is organised by Victoria University of Wellington's Architecture and Building Science Faculty Summer Scholars Grant, and jointly funded by Victoria University and Studio Pacific.
James' research will continue the work begun by last year's summer scholar, Stuart Taylor. This research investigated the empirical impact of various measures to reduce energy consumption in a number of newly built houses designed by Studio Pacific. Building on the results of this study, James will investigate the most economical ways of raising the thermal performance of the eight case study houses, research other factors beyond the four improvement measures included in the previous study that may have an impact on thermal performance, and examine the cumulative impacts of differing combinations of factors.
(2 November 2011)
Studio Pacific research paper selected for ANZAScA Conference 2011
A recently completed research paper written by Studio Pacific director Evzen Novak in collaboration with our 2010/11 summer research scholar Stuart Taylor and Christina Mackay, a Senior Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture, has been selected as a paper to be presented at the Annual Conference of the Australia and New Zealand Architectural Science Association 2011. The conference will be held at the University of Sydney in November this year.
The paper examines the thermal performance of a selection of recent Studio Pacific residential projects using modelling software AccuRate NZ. The thermal insulation, construction materials and glazing to wall ratio of each house were modelled and analysed in order to determine the efficacy and relationship of each component and to better understand how each measure can be employed to respond to the specific conditions of each architectural project. The paper investigates the empirical basis for the conventional 'rules of thumb' and finds a high degree of variability between houses in the effectiveness of each measure's ability to improve thermal performance. We anticipate that the outcomes of this research will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of thermal performance and enable design professionals to make better sustainable design decisions in future designs.
The paper can be downloaded here.
(2 November 2011)
NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards 2011
Studio Pacific's MOTAT Aviation Display Hall has also scooped two awards at the NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards, which are held annually and promote excellence in design and to advance the profession of architecture.
The Aviation Display Hall's impressive range of sustainability initiatives won the Sustainable Architecture category, with the judges' citation noting, "in this project, sustainability is thoroughly integrated with design. Material specification, natural ventilation, a thermal chimney, rainwater harvesting, the adaptive re-use of existing structure and a gas management strategy are all dovetailed seamlessly into the architecture."
The project was also the winner of the Public Architecture category. The judges commented that "the impressive and innovative use of an LVL timber structure provides an immense aircraft exhibition facility enlivened and enriched by the visual 'warmth' of timber veneer linings which contrast beautifully with the sleek aircraft on display."
(13 October 2011)
NZ Wood Timber Design Awards 2011
Two Studio Pacific projects were recognised at the NZ Wood Timber Design Awards this year.
The innovative new Aviation Display Hall at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland, entered in association with engineers Holmes Consulting Group, was the winner of the Sustainability category, which recognises buildings where timber is a key factor in achieving sustainability. It also took home the Clever Wood Solutions Award and a Highly Commended in the Engineering Excellence category.
The striking interior of the International Terminal at Wellington Airport was the winner of the Interior Fitout category, for use of timber that adds to the ambience and warmth of a building interior.
(13 October 2011)
The Rock wins supreme award at the BEST Awards
The Rock at Wellington Airport has been awarded the Purple Pin supreme award, given to work that raises the bar of New Zealand design, in the Spatial Design category at this year's BEST Design Awards. The project also took home a Gold Award, awarded to the best entries in each category, also in the Spatial Design category.
(12 October 2011)
Kumutoto toilets open
The new Kumutoto Toilets on Wellington's waterfront are now open. Designed by Studio Pacific architect Bret Thurston, the unique, eye-catching forms of the toilets have been the subject of much recent media attention. Each of the two toilets is fabricated from a series of concentric concrete rings fitted with an overlapping red steel shell, with a sculptural tail that rises up to provide natural ventilation. As well as providing much-needed public facilities for the area, the organic forms and bright colour of the toilets makes them a feature of the precinct.
(11 October 2011)
The Rock wins Commercial Project of the Year at Wellington/Wairarapa Master Builders Awards
The Rock terminal at Wellington International Airport has won the regional RMB Commercial project of the Year Award for Mainzeal at the 2011 Wellington/Wairarapa Master Builders Awards, as well as taking home a Gold Award and the Category Award for Industry and Infrastructure. The awards recognise excellence in construction design and contract management.
The judges' citation noted that "The Rock was a difficult build because of its complexity, shape and detailing. The site was restrictive, as the existing airport terminal had to continue to operate while building took place. Despite the complexity, the internal link to the existing building has been very well done. The outside of the building is quite radical and different, but when you go inside it is functional and has a great feel about it. The interior space is a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. The builder has made a superb job of a very innovative and extremely difficult structure to build."
The Rock will now go on to compete in the commercial section of the national competition later this year.
(10 August 2011)
Attingham Trust Scholarship
Studio Pacific congratulates Lianne Cox, who has been awarded a scholarship from the Attingham Trust to complete the highly-regarded Attingham Summer School programme in Shropshire, England. Lianne, who is one of the Studio's senior architects and a specialist in heritage architecture, will spend three weeks studying twenty-five of Britain's architecturally significant historic houses, with a particular focus on the refurbishment and strengthening of historic buildings.
(8 July 2011)
The Rock wins NZ Property Council Merit Award
The Rock terminal at Wellington International Airport has won a Merit Award in the Special Purpose Property section at the 2011 NZ Property Council Awards.
(14 June 2011)
NZ Campaign for Wool
Studio Pacific director Stephen McDougall has been appointed an ambassador for the NZ Campaign for Wool, promoting the use of New Zealand wool products in design as eco-friendly and durable alternatives to cheaper, disposable synthetic fibres.
(13 June 2011)
2010
Summer Research Scholar 2010/2011
Stuart Taylor, a fourth year Victoria University architecture student, has recently joined the Studio for the duration of the 2010/2011 university summer holidays as part of the School of Victoria University Wellington's Architecture and Building Science Faculty Summer Scholars Grant.
As the recipient of this Research Scholarship, Stuart will be researching the practicalities of lowering energy consumption in new and existing residential projects. The overall purpose of Stuart's research will be to investigate the empirical impact of various measures to reduce energy consumption in newly built or renovated houses designed by the Studio.
Through Stuart's research we are looking forward to gaining a practical knowledge base which will assist design professionals make sustainable design decisions for new and renovated houses in the future.
(1 December 2010)
Best Awards 2010
Studio Pacific has recently been awarded Bronze for both Small House, Mt Victoria and Harbour Quays, CentrePort, Wellington (in association with Wraight and Associates) at this year's Best Design Awards.
The Best Awards is the Designers Institute of New Zealand's (DINZ) annual showcase of excellence in graphic, spatial, product and interactive design.
Our two winning entries were placed in the Spatial category where Small House was awarded Bronze under the Residential section and Harbour Quays was awarded Bronze in the Built Environment section.
(20 October 2010)
Kumutoto wins International Award
Kumutoto public space on Wellington's waterfront (in association with Isthmus) has just received an International Federation of Landscape Architects Award at the Word Congress held in China. Kumutoto was one of four projects in the Asia Pacific Region that received the award and was one of only two received in the Southern Hemisphere. The awards take place every two years and Kumototo was the sole entry submitted by the Institute of NZ Landscape Architecture.
(June 2010)
New Customhouse awarded NZGBC 5 Green Star Rating
We are very pleased to announce that our design for the new Customhouse has recently been awarded a New Zealand Green Building Council 5 Green Star NZ - Office Design V1 Certified Rating. The project was awarded 68 points - significantly exceeding the 60 points required to achieve the New Zealand Excellence 5 star rating.
In addition to the building being a redevelopment of a brownfield site in close proximity to transport networks, there are many design factors in the building that make up its 5 star rating including the following:
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The planning of the building maximises natural light to more than 90% of all lettable space.
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The façade is double glazed and the selected shading coefficients of the glass varies between floors to ensure a balance of reducing head gain versus maximising natural light
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The west façade incorporates sunshades to reduce heat gains from afternoon sun
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The modulation of the precast façade panels shades the north façade glazing
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There are extensive areas of internal exposed thermal mass (most commonly the concrete double T floor beams) to dampen internal temperature fluctuations
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Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emitting paints and carpet from Environmental Choice ranges have been specified
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All composite wood products are low-emission formaldehyde
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Zero ODP (Ozone Depleting Potential) insulation is specified
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Rainwater is collected and stored for toilet flushing
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Solar hot water heating units are provided to pre-heat water
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Heating and cooling is by means of ceiling mounted chilled beams
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Car parking is minimised and includes 25% car parks for small cars only
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Bike parks and showers are provided
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An area for the sorting and storage of recycling is provided
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Energy efficient lighting is used throughout
Studio Pacific assisted Beca who led the submission process. The first round application achieved the highest number of points awarded in New Zealand to date.
Guy Marriage - Appointment to Programme Director at Victoria University of Wellington
We congratulate Guy on his appointment to Programme Director of the Building Science Programme at Victoria University. Guy has resigned from Studio Pacific Architecture to take up his new position at the University.
Guy joined the Studio as an Architect in 2002 and was appointed to the role of Associate in 2005. During his time with the Studio, he was instrumental in the success of many award winning projects; including the Meridian Building, Kumutoto Wellington Waterfront, Evill House, Prescott House and Aorangi House.
With his new role, we are looking forward to a continuing association between Guy, the University and Studio Pacific.
(March 2010)
2009
NZIA Awards 2009
Studio Pacific has been awarded three local NZIA awards in 2009: a NZIA Nelson Architecture Award for Residential architecture for the Evill House, an NZIA Auckland Architecture Award for Urban Design on the masterplanning of the Beaumont Quarter, and an NZIA Wellington award for Sustainable Architecture for the refurbishment of Aorangi House
Beaumont Quarter - NZIA Auckland Architecture Award: Urban Design
For this major residential masterplanning project in Auckland, the judges' citation stated:
"This 2.4-hectare inner city Auckland site adjacent to Victoria Park was conceived as a mixed-use residential community. A collaborative team of local and international architects and landscape architects interpreted a masterplan consisting of an architect's precinct and staging plans. The project succeeds in its diverse range of housing typologies organised around simple, legible spatial planning."
Aorangi House Building Upgrade - NZIA Wellington Architecture Award: Sustainable Architecture
Studio Pacific's project for the extensive refurbishment of an existing commercial office building, incorporating ESD design measures to create quality office space, gained a Wellington Architecture Award for Sustainability. The judges citation notes that: "Intelligent sustainable interventions have here been applied to an existing multi-storey building, resulting in a synergy between efficiency and innovation. A fine example of responsible design upgrade."
Evill House - NZIA Nelson Architecture Award: Residential Architecture
Judges citation - "This elegantly proportioned, classically inspired Balinese courtyard house provides a well-balanced hybrid of cultural living requirements. An imposing site high on a coastal promontory is well managed by appropriate exterior treatment and scale. The project's triumph lies in its subtle material composition and contrast between the light washed interior and rustic cedar exterior. The integration of the Balinese details and material elements are well handled, creating a sensitive and harmonious family home."
(November 2009)
‘Blue Sky the Outer T' Competition
A submission from Studio Pacific is one of six concepts selected by Wellington Waterfront as one of the winning submissions for the Outer T at Queens Wharf. Wellington Waterfront were looking for ideas on how best to develop this iconic part of Wellington's harbour edge. The Studio Pacific submission features a Community Focused Framework, with an Iconic Beacon. The scheme would feature a robust framework of structures and open space to allow a mix of community activities to occur. A tall lighthouse beacon would be built to draw people towards the waterfront.
Ian Pike, head of the WWL, noted that Wellington Waterfront "will be working with the six winning entrants, and all six will be contributing to a masterplan to be drawn up to cover the waterfront / Outer T area... the public will be consulted as ideas start to firm up."
Studio Pacific also worked on the submission for Helipro, another finalist for the Outer T competition.
(4th November 2009)
Kumutoto WC
The Studio Pacific proposal for a set of new public WCs on the Kumutoto site has been gaining headlines lately. Selected by Wellington Waterfront through an internal design competition as the most interesting and exciting proposal from a selection of challenging design concepts. The toilet facilities are a bold and sculptural artistic addition to the popular area on the waterfront. Composed of two separate structures, each cast from a series of concentric concrete rings, the forms are fitted externally with a series of steel shells, providing both a rugged, practical roof and a visual reminder of forms resident below the nearby harbour surface.
The unisex toilet facilities each feature a sculptural tail that rises up, providing natural ventilation and adding to a slightly zoo-morphic form. While challenging concepts of traditional toilet facilities, the irregular, twisting shape of the two forms will animate the corner of the waterfront and provide much needed public facilities to the popular pedestrian route along the promenade, and becoming an attractor in their own right.
(September 2009)
Concrete Award
Studio Pacific Architecture's Site 7: Meridian Building entry into the 2009 Concrete3 Sustainability Award has been awarded a commendation for Excellence in Commercial Concrete Construction at the recent NZ Concrete Industry Conference.
The building uses recycled blast furnace fly ash, an industrial waste product, in the concrete mix to reduce the amount of cement used and thus help to reduce CO2 emissions.
The mass of the concrete is also utilised in the passive design of the Meridian building. Concrete floor slabs are left partially exposed in the interior of the building allowing the heat generated through the day to be absorbed by the concrete. In the evening the building is flushed with cool air through openable windows cooling the concrete ready for the next days use.
The Concrete3 Sustainability Award is further recognition of the buildings thorough performance in sustainable design.
(19 October 2009)
Meridian on top
Studio Pacific, in association with Peddle Thorp Architects, was recently awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architect’s New Zealand Architecture Award for the Meridian Building in Wellington. In addition to this award, the Studio was also proud to be named a finalist for the New Zealand Architecture Medal for the same building.
The New Zealand Architecture Awards celebrate the best architecture produced in New Zealand, and encompass the highest tiers of the annual New Zealand Architecture Awards programme, with the New Zealand Architecture Medal being the highest level of achievement.
Judges comments: “The Wellington waterfront is a perfect location for this flagship for environmental sustainable office design. Sophisticated reactive facades and chilled beam systems work together to reduce the need for the large, energy hungry, mechanical systems associated with our cities. Materials have been selected on the basis of sustainability and their ability to contribute to a healthy working environment. A comprehensive staff education programme ensures that monitoring of energy consumption; indoor air quality and water conservation is understood and embraced by all the occupants.
The 5-star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council confirms this building as an exemplar of sustainable architecture.”
(27 May 2009)
2008
NZIA Local Awards
Studio Pacific are very pleased to have won 3 awards at the 2008 NZIA Wellington Architecture awards on Friday 28th November. Our winning projects were a Residential Award for the Small House, Mt Victoria; an Urban Design Award for Kumutoto (in association with Isthmus Group); and a Sustainable Award for the Meridian Building (in association with Peddle Thorp Architects).
Judges citations as follows.
Small House, Mt Victoria: A beautifully executed house renovation. Situated on the slopes of Mount Victoria, this 1960’s house is transformed but still respectful of its origins. The contemporary form responds to its locality. The clear logic of the planning over three levels provides a solid foundation for careful articulation of space, rich and meaningful selection of materials and exquisite architectural detailing.
Kumutoto, North Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront: This multi-disciplinary collaboration completes the mosaic of public space development on a central part of Wellington’s urban waterfront. Referencing the history of the site and the disciplined waterfront palette of materials and elements, this work of urban landscape is fully embedded in its site. The mix of intimate and linking spaces it provides relates well to both new and heritage buildings. As a new signature attraction, it is supporting burgeoning recreational use.
Meridian Building Jervois Quay: The 5 Star Green Star NZ – Office Design v1 Certified Rating awarded by the New Zealand Green Building Council confirms this building as an exemplar of sustainable architecture.
(2 December 2008)
Studio scoops at recent awards
At the recent Timber Design Awards held in Auckland, Studio Pacific (in association with Peddle Thorp) has won the Sustainability Award for the Meridian Building at Kumutoto, Wellington, along with a highly commended in the Commercial building category.
The INENZ Lighting Awards in Queenstown saw Kumutoto public space (in association with Isthmus and Beca) win one of the top awards: a Lighting Design Award of Excellence. The Meridian Building (in association with Peddle Thorp) also won an award for Sustainable Lighting Design.
Meridian Energy’s headquarters building at Kumutoto was also judged the winner of the ‘Sustainable Design and Innovative Award’ at the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards held in Auckland October 9th.
Judges comments: “The building and the process used to deliver it have made significant contribution to the understanding of ‘green’ building development practice in New Zealand. Meridian is seeing this building influence and inspire others to expect such standards as normal practice.”
(22 October 2008)
Civic Trust Awards
The Wellington Civic Trust awards don’t happen every year, but when they do they are taken rather seriously. We are therefore very proud that the Meridian building has picked up the award for Best New Building in Wellington, a welcome recognition for our invigorating and challenging waterfront ESD building.
Nominated by members of the public, the awards recognise the best of recent work in the capital city. Studio Pacific was delighted that our recent work was nominated in almost every category for an award:
Street Art: Wellington Airport tunnel (South Runway Extension)
Heritage project: Harbour Gates restoration (near Shed 13)
Public Space: Kumutoto, including Wharf Plaza
Public Space: CentrePort Area A (near Statistics Building)
Environmental: Meridian Building
Building: Meridian Building
(19 September 2008)
Meridian on top at SBN Awards
The Meridian Building in Wellington, designed by Studio Pacific, has scooped the award for Sustainable Design and Innovation in the Central Region awards of the Sustainable Business Network. The Sustainable Business Network Awards recognise those businesses that are demonstrating leadership by embracing sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations.
The regional award winners will represent the region in the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards, which are being held in Auckland on Thursday, 9 October.
(11 September 2008)
Monograph Book Launched
We are very pleased to announce the launch of a book featuring the work of three Wellington practices: Studio Pacific Architecture, Architecture + and Herriot Melhuish Architecture. Published by the NZ Architectural Publications Press the book features interviews with the Directors of all three practices, a selection of some great projects from each practice’s portfolio and is part of the Monograph series on New Zealand architects. With over 140 pages and high quality full colour pictures including plans, the book represents over a decade’s work for each practice, and is available now from all good book stores.
(4 September 2008)
Finalists in the Sustainable Business Network Trailblazer SME Category
The award citation notes:
Studio Pacific Architecture has had a growing commitment to becoming a fully sustainable business as well as a leader in Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD). Studio Pacific was the champion for ESD in the Meridian building, ‘Kumutoto,’ recently accredited 5 green stars by the Green Building Council. Staff are given time away from work to contribute to Habitat for Humanity charity, and the Studio contributes annually to charities chosen by staff. It also supports the work of New Zealand artists with the commission of a Christmas Card artwork each year. Team morale is high with a range of film festival, quiz night and picnic events organised by members of staff. Environmental sustainability is driven by both company directors and administrative staff. Audio conferencing and Green Cabs are often used, and staff are encouraged to walk or take public transport to work and to meetings.
(13 August 2008)
Studio Pacific win Building Competition
Studio Pacific Architecture, has been announced as the winner of a nationwide competition to design a major redevelopment of the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Thorndon site.
The Royal Society has owned and operated from its current address for over 20 years, making use of small existing buildings. A large campus style development of the site is planned for the Royal Society as well as other compatible research and technology oriented organisations.
The Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor Michael Keniger, said; “The winning design projects a strong identity for the Royal Society and for its future. In essence, it possesses a clarity of formal organisation that provides many possibilities for the design as it proceeds. It has immense potential to excite curiosity about science and technology and literally offers a gateway to science and to knowledge.”
Studio Pacific are delighted the Royal Society of New Zealand has selected our project as the winning design. Our response to the site is built on the interaction between science as a rational objective framework, and the cultural reaction to this framework. The scheme is generated from the idea of two vessels, with a glazed box occupying the space between them as the nodal connecting point of people and ideas. The two vessels are symbolic containers of the knowledge gained from Maori and European exploration, discovery and settlement in New Zealand.
The scheme ground plan is defined by Polynesian star mapping systems used in navigation, subtly folding the ground plane running through the public access plaza, the atrium, the green space, auditorium, conference facilities, café, and laboratories. The building is to be constructed using timber as the primary structural material: using our significant renewable forestry resource. The ESD approach proposed for the project applies a ‘whole building’ environmental engineering approach, integrated with the architectural and structural solutions and using climate-responsive design to achieve a highly efficient green building.
(13 August 2008)
More awards for Kumutoto and Meridian
Contractor, Brian Perry Civil, has won a New Zealand Contractors Federation Hirepool Construction Award 2008, for the Kumutoto project. This is one of only four Hirepool construction awards to be given this year, and the contractor notes that the project was “extremely challenging, and a credit to those involved with delivering quality jobs to satisfied clients”.
The Site 7 Meridian building has won Dunning Thornton Consultants an ACENZ – Gold Award of Excellence 2008, for their innovative structural engineering on the project. The iconic building showcases structural innovation, environmentally sustainable design and is the first 5 Star Green Star-certified new building in New Zealand.
(13 August 2008)
Supreme RMB Commercial Project of the Year Award
Another Studio Pacific Architecture project has been recognised at a recent industry awards ceremony. Stage 01 of the Wellington International Airport TDP project recently won the supreme RMB Commercial Project of the Year award at the Wellington Registered Master Builders Association 2008 Commercial Project Awards. This project was completed in association with Architecture Warren & Mahoney.
(28 July 2008)
East by West Ferries tenancy
After over 2 decades of being housed in a converted warehouse shed with no windows, East by West Ferries moved into their new office at the base of the Meridian building. A small tenancy with a large amount of space incorporated into the fitout, the new ferry headquarters, designed by Studio Pacific, is much welcomed by Wellington’s commuter ferry company. Full width, full height glazing of the shop front enables direct visual observation of the ferries at the new floating ferry pontoon, while the small mezzanine office poised above the reception area is discretely hidden by timber fins. The ferry office sells tickets for the popular Days Bay, Matiu, and newly reinstated Seatoun ferry routes
(8 July 2008)
Green Building for Customs
CentrePort have recently received a Resource Consent for an exciting new 6 storey building in CentrePort's Harbour Quays Development. The building is to house the New Zealand Customs Service and will be Green Building Council 5-star rated. The design incorporates numerous ESD initiatives including chilled beam technology, exposed thermal mass, rainwater harvesting, solar hot water heating and external sun shading.
Studio Pacific are working with Fletcher Construction, who have been selected to construct the building. We are currently in the developed design stage with construction expected to commence in early August 2008.
(2 July 2008)
Property Council Awards
Buildings designed by Studio Pacific Architecture came out multiple award winners at the Property Council New Zealand awards evening recently. The Gib Commercial Office award was won by the Meridian building, and this project then went on to win the Kensington Swan Green Building Award for the best ESD building, a result we are truly proud of. Another Studio Pacific project, the Holiday Inn in Wellington, was also a winner on the night, being awarded the Holmes Consulting Group Tourism and Leisure award. Both projects were completed in association with Peddle Thorp Architects.
(30 June 2008)
Wellington + Wairarapa Contractors Federation Awards
The Kumutoto redevelopment won a further award, picking up the large projects award (projects over $500,000) at the Wellington/Wairarapa Contractors Federation Awards. The award, to Brian Perry Civil for their outstanding construction work on this project, also recognises the complexity and quality of the design by Studio Pacific and Isthmus, joint designers of this newly popular addition to the Wellington waterfront.
(30 June 2008)
Appartamento Il Casino
Appartamento Il Casino has been launched by Globe Holdings, a development of new apartments incorporated into a landmark heritage building on a vibrant, urban street corner. The 31 new apartments have been designed by Studio Pacific Architecture to compliment the character and integrity of this unique building and create something a little different from most contemporary inner city apartment blocks… something with soul.
The new structure will honour the character and integrity of the historic Il Casino building, and is articulated into three, vertical zones, with the old Il Casino building forming the base of two of the buildings. Each of the three zones is subtly different; distinct in its own right, yet similar enough overall to read as one cohesive structure. Each incorporates similar materials, scale and detailing such as the delicately coloured glass; opaque on the southernmost building, while to the north it is translucent.
The design reveals the inherent structure of the building and the integrity of the original materials. Materials are left in their natural state, not covered up. The natural colours and textures of the building materials are respected. The interior contains exposed concrete finishes, a mixture of old and new, surfaces left comparatively raw; solid concrete walls and floor, timber posts, a rich combination of finely machined details and those that are more robust.
The project is currently being marketed and construction is due to commence later this year. Studio Pacific Architecture is currently undertaking construction documentation for the project.
(March 2008)
The Rock Unveiled
Stage 02 of the International Airport International Passenger Terminal expansion has been released to the public.
Studio Pacific Architecture in association with Warren & Mahoney have completed documentation on the project, with commencement on site expected shortly. Conceived as a deliberate counter-point to the existing constrained IPT pier facility, the gate-way extension marks the completion of earlier enabling works completed within the pier.
The building references the rugged south-coast coastline immediately adjacent the airport, while acknowledging the at times extreme nature of the site.
(February 2008)
First 5 star Green New Build for Government Tenant
Studio Pacific Architecture is confirmed by Centreport as the architect for a new building on the Harbour Quays site in Wellington’s portside business park. The site, known as D4, will feature a low rise 5 storey building carefully integrated into the Masterplan for the area (also planned by Studio Pacific). D4 will be constructed in 2008-2010 and leased to New Zealand Customs Service, and makes full use of its harbourside location.
(February 2008)
Award winners
Studio Pacific wins NZIA Resene Local Awards for Architecture for two of our Wellington projects. The Holiday Inn project in Wellington wins in the Hospitality / Tourism category, awarded to Studio Pacific Architecture in association with Peddle Thorp Architects, who combined forces on this large Hotel project.
The judges citation noted that: “Wellington’s newest and largest hotel makes full use of its narrow inner city site. The slender accommodation tower with its carefully modulated saw tooth facade engages directly with the street level. The well detailed white precast concrete panels and carefully handled glazing rise through and above the podium emphasising the verticality and leanness of the tower. The angled orientation of room in plan maximises individual views over the city, hills and sea.”
The Prescott House in Seatoun also wins a Local Award under the Residential category. The judges noted that this project was: “Inspired by the wind-ravaged forms of the former shipwrecks and derelict military pillar boxes at the former Fort Dorset, this project reacts to the site in a very specific way. Overlapping copper-clad walls create strong sculptural forms providing a sense of shelter in the exposed location yet maximising the stunning views of Wellington Harbour. Clever internal planning, together with the primary L-shaped plan allow internal spaces to interact through external spaces providing a visual connection throughout the house.”
(January 2008)