185 Fanshawe Street

Located at a major gateway to Auckland City, this high profile development required a flexible, future-focused design approach. With the 2,170sqm site earmarked for Air New Zealand, developer Trans Tasman Properties and purchaser Macquarie Goodman Property were eager to create a landmark building that would be a desirable headquarters. At the same time the asset needed to be attractive to future tenants, so flexibility was a key component of the brief. DESIGN To satisfy the requirement for flexibility, the six-storey office block was split into two buildings with a total area of 13,439sqm. By aligning the cores of each building and creating a generous link between them, the design created a seamless connection that enabled the two structures to function as one. Together, the two office buildings form a U-shape above a single, semi-recessed level of basement parking, which creates a single podium across the entire site. The design creates an internal plaza with a strong street presence. URBAN DESIGN In addition to serving as a significant office building, the site is also an important part of the developing urban fabric of the area. It was the first in a succession of new commercial buildings along Fanshawe Street and occupies a cornerstone position. The design team worked closely with the client to create an iconic structure that would make a positive contribution to the wider precinct. An important part of the design was the inclusion of an internal street and public piazza, which brings pedestrians across the site through a sunny, north-facing courtyard featuring high quality finishes. It is a pleasant space for people to pass though and provides the opportunity to stop and take a break at the on-site café. MATERIALS A simple palette of concrete, glass, stainless steel and white painted surfaces provided a cost-effective and elegant architectural solution for the building’s façade. Along the courtyard façades, the elevational treatment is more open, incorporating extensive glazing and sunscreen elements.