b'dream gold standardLiving theA strong vision and detailed use of colour garnered a Resene Total Colour Award for this historical retrofit.W hen helping others fit-out their commercial spaces withelectricalanddatasystemsisyourbreadand butter, youre all too familiar with all the effort that goes into an effective office design that meets the clients needs. Thats certainly the case with Vision Systems who recently took occupancy of a freshly-revived space in the heart of Christchurch. They knew precisely what they were after, and the results are miles away from your bog-standard commercial office.Vision Systems dreamed of an open-plan concept that would facilitatebothworkandplaybyprovidingagreatspaceforResenetheir team to enjoy weekly social club gatherings, set within theAstralstunning former post office. The building has significant social andofThe former post office building was originally going to be builtabove: The Art Deco era and Visiontop tipand Resene Black White does a brilliant job of highlighting andto match the intensity of the colours so that they would workabove left and right: The historical value for the city and greater region, and the abundancebrick, however, earthquake building standards were alteredSystems branding were part of theamplifyingtheformerpostofficeshandsomefeatures.Thetogether throughout the space. Resene Clockwork Orange setsgrid-like architecture of the of style and details inside and out made it an enviable location toafter the Napier earthquakes andbeing a government buildinginspiration for Studio Souls accent colourclient was open to using bold colour, so we utilised both colourthe tone in the social zone, where the team loves to have tableformer post office offered house their Canterbury operations. They entrusted Studio Soulthedesignwasquicklychangedtoincorporatereinforcedselections, Resene Clockwork Orange andResene Waterborne enamels likeblocking and the symmetry of the columns to create a centraltennis tournaments and social gatherings. Against the Reseneopportunities to use to help them turn their concept into a reality and architecturalconcreteconstruction.ThisstructuralalterationnodoubtResene Astral, and the thoughtfulnessClockwork Orange Resene SpaceCote Lowbreak-out hub that naturally divides the play and work areas, sheNerowalls,ReseneClockworkOrangeaddsenergytothisResene Astral to highlight with which they were applied to theSheen, which was used onand bring attention to key designer Brooke Brownewho is known for her ability to sharehelped the building significantly in the Canterbury earthquakes.project was part of what won it a Reseneexplains. A backdrop of Resene Black White contrasts with theplayful space. And being a brighter variation of the blue in Visionzones within the space, in her clients visionwas up to the task. It also meant the building reflected American-style skyscrapersTotal Colour Commercial Interior Officethis project, combine theblack accent materials and gives it a contemporary twist whileSystems logo, Resene Astral worked to the clients requirementssuch as the reception and With its expansive windows, natural light and exposed beamin its design and structure with its classical column and beamAward. The recessed window frame and glass- durable finish of traditionalalso creating a blank canvas for Vision Systems stunning lightingwhile matching the spirit of deep jewel toned blues from the Artbreak areas. Main walls and and column design, the architectural richness of the space offeredrepetition. Other than the toilets, a small meeting room andprotected splashback are painted in ReseneResene solventborne products withselections.LinesandgeometricshapeswereincorporatedinDeco era. Though bold, it acts as a calming colour for the officeceiling in Resene Black Brooke both opportunities and constraints. It was important tosome management offices, the floor plan mostly remained openClockwork Orange, walls and portions of theNero Environmental Choicesubtle ways within the geometric ceiling panels through to thein tandem with the carpeting and hanging acoustics. A colourWhite and lowered ceiling not close off the floor and continue to encourage the symmetry including the new kitchenette. The natural divisions, thanksceiling and bulkheads are in Resene SpaceCoteapproval, low VOCs, lowmanifestations on the glass. Now, the office has the excitementblock of Resene Astral was also used around the break-out boothin Resene Nero.Low Sheen tinted to Resene Nero and of the original architecture, she says. To accomplish this, sheto the internal columns, allowed us to create zones through thethe remaining ceiling and bulkheads areodour and a quick dry time,of a modern-day New York loft complete with all the functionsseating paired with deeper navy upholstery and a lowered dark knewtherightResenecolourpalettecouldbeleveragedtocolour scheme that subtly communicate what each space is for. in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tintedso offices can be repaintedVision Systems needed from the space. ceiling in Resene Nero to create an intimate setting to relax in.articulate different areas within the buildings envelope and thatBrookes execution of the pared-down yet graphic paletteto Resene Black White. Resene easily with minimalUsing complementary colours like blue and orange together canBrooke says that the division of columns, though ornate and her selections would be vital for creating the right atmosphere. ofReseneAstral,ReseneClockworkOrange,ReseneNeroBlack White disruption to staff. be a powerful combination, so Brooke notes that it was importantcharming in design, were challenging to design around at times 60 blackwhitemag.com blackwhitemag.com 61'