Meridian Building, Site 7, Wellington
Winner, Concrete3 Sustainability Award of Excellence, 2009
Winner, New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards for Sustainability and Clean Technology, 2009
Winner, NZIA New Zealand Architecture Award, 2009
Finalist, NZIA New Zealand Architecture Medal, 2009
Winner, NZIA Local Award, 2008
Winner, ACENZ Gold Award of Excellence, 2008
Winner of two Property Council New Zealand Awards, 2008
Winner, SBN - Local and National Design and Innovation Award, 2008
Winner, Timber Design Award 2008
Winner, Wellington Civic Trust Award 2008
Situated in the Kumutoto precinct on Wellington's waterfront, the Meridian building is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding maritime environment while also representing a strikingly distinctive and environmentally innovative architectural work in its own right.
The design of the final building, completed by Studio Pacific in association with Peddle Thorp architects, subtly and cleverly translates elements from the heritage waterfront Sheds nearby into a contemporary register. The building is articulated as two separate forms: a curved annex portion with rich textured external louvres to relate to the surrounding built fabric, and a smooth, white rectangular pavilion cantilevered out to seemingly float lightly above the water. The top floor of the annex has been set back like a lantern, visually relating to the roof lights of the neighbouring Sheds, while the folding roof of the pavilion represents a modern interpretation of the varied roof forms of the sheds. The ground floor was also functions as a fluid, lively extension of the surrounding public area.
New Zealand's first 5 GreenStar rated building, the Meridian building uses partially recycled cement in the structure, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Within the building there is extensive exposed thermal mass, chilled beam technology and high efficiency light fittings, all contributing to a 60% lower energy consumption than a typical office building. A 70% reduction in water usage is also achieved through harvesting rainwater and using low flow fittings. All material selections are from sustainable sources wherever possible and are recyclable.
Client: Dominion Funds Ltd.
