Stephenson&Turner

The studio was the first historic building in New Zealand to be awarded a 6 Green Star Office Interiors rating, the highest level attainable under Green Star, representing world leadership.

The design focused on using existing materials and colours. The concrete, brick and timber set a wonderful canvas for a working environment.

The aim was to design studio space which invigorated new life and culture. After a number of detailed trial layouts they decided to break free from current open plan office norms and create a space that encouraged the highest levels of group communication. Down came the screens that normally separated individuals, down came the disciplinary divides: until all that was left was a cohesive team.

The meeting rooms, located on axis with the main entrance, are the only built spaces in the fitout. They offer extremely high levels of acoustics and feature large flush pivot doors which disappear into the wall when closed. The meeting rooms ‘float’ below the existing shell, playing with the idea of old vs new. Clients enter directly into the creative environment of the studio and can be actively involved in the design process.

The Café space was an important part of the design scope for it offers employees and visitors a relaxing space where less serious conversations and more sociable interactions can take place. This space incorporates a floating linear kitchen transitioning into a well established design library, the ideal place to have a coffee or meet a client.

The studio fitout features sustainably harvested and reused timber, daylight addressable lighting, natural radiant heating as well as a green wall and strict use of Environmental Choice approved low VOC paints and adhesives.

The colour palette ofResene Half Alabaster (blackened white), Resene Half Spanish White (complex neutral) and Resene Half Wan White (winter neutral) provides a fresh yet soothing backdrop to the creativity. These colours were joined by clear finishes on natural substrates, to bring out the best in the materials and make them easier to keep clean while also protecting them long into the future.

Colours used: Resene Half Alabaster, Resene Half Spanish White, Resene Half Wan White.

Products used: Resene Aquaclear, Resene Cemseal, Resene Lustacryl, Resene SpaceCote Flat, Resene Zylone Sheen.

Architectural specifier: Stephenson&Turner Ltd
Building Contractor: Mainzeal Interiors Ltd
Painting Contractor: Withers Painters Ltd
Photographer: Paul McCredie
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2011
From the Resene News – issue 4/2011

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