Teaching and Research Laboratories

The design philosophy is for the laboratory spaces to be visible from other areas and to be open to each other for the sharing of information and learning. Within each space the fittings and the services have been designed so that the layout can be modified in the future without significant alterations to the infrastructure.

Working from a cohesive palette of colours, a continuity between spaces is created, while still indicating separate zones.

With a background of neutral tones providing the common base between areas, a vibrant and crisp family of highlight colours accentuates the design. Resene Wild Thing, Resene Christine, Resene Quarter Ash and a custom colour mix were paired with corresponding vinyl and joinery colours to achieve the co-ordinated aesthetic.

Safety within the laboratory spaces is vitally important, and the creation of clearly identified emergency response locations is an integral part of this. The use of Resene Rain Forest forms part of the family of colours but it was chosen to stand out and be quickly identified in an emergency situation.

The result brings an excitement and a vibrancy that contradicts the bland environment that is more stereotypical of laboratory spaces in the past.

Colours used: Resene Christine, Resene Quarter Ash, Resene Rain Forest, Resene Wild Thing.

Products used: Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Architectural specifier: Ken Collins
Building Contractor: Mainzeal
Colour Selection: Kimberly Rogers, Lab-works Architecture Limited
Interior Designer: Kimberly Rogers and Nathan Horne
Painting Contractor: Paul Reddish Decorators
Photographer: Richard White, Lab-works Architecture Limited and Paul McCredie
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2011

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