Commercial Architecture

The client wanted to relocate their pilates business to a purpose-built studio at the rear of their property in Te Atatu. The architectural design for this commercial development had to fit within a limited site area, provide privacy from neighbours and create a light and airy interior space.  Disabled access into and within the building for users who were in the process of rehabilitation was an important consideration. A practical architectural design solution was found, generating a light-filled two-storey space, with a mezzanine area for the floor exercises.

The client wanted to relocate their medical practice which operated out of a converted residential house and construct a purpose-built facility. It needed to cover a broader range of health care services for local residents and provide a welcoming homely environment. The office design for the practice as well as medical practice space requirements had to be taken into consideration. Located in a residential zone (mixed housing urban) the commercial development has 2 apartments on top. The site had an existing residential dwelling which was relocated, so leaving a clear level site for the build.

The aim was to produce a building sympathetic to the brick and timber bungalows in the area, with careful landscaping and consideration of the residential user’s needs. It has sea views from the upper floor so great potential for producing very well-appointed residential spaces. It is constructed using stack bonded architectural masonry around the lower level and plaster finished upper floor. Schist stone veneer features around the base of the building to add character to the building.

The play centre had located a site with an old house in Remuera which was positioned close to the main road and ideally located for a play centre. The old house was not in good condition structurally so it was demolished. This commercial devclopment was a new purpose-built centre that was designed to cater for 25 children and their caregivers. However, a long protracted notified resource consent was required before the complex could progress.

The site was long and sloping with the high concrete wall of a power station to the northern side. The brief required the centre to be sympathetic in style to the neighbouring houses while providing sunny outdoor play, and good indoor-outdoor connection. A high roof with ventilated clerestory windows was used to draw in the sunlight and provide a means of cooling on hot summer days.

The internal layout needed to comply with Early Childhood Regulations, and provide a suitable office design for administration. These regulations are applicable to all those that provide care for preschoolers, and a link follows Licensing criteria for centre-based ECE services – Education in New Zealand

Providing a space that caregivers and children love to be in was key, ideally a light sunny space that was able to be used in multiple ways as parents wished to facilitate their children’s play and learning.  Durable cost-effective materials was essential for this not for profit organisation, and disabled access were important criteria in this commercial design.