Alto Office Building

By Archimedia

Profile
Alto Office Building banner

Archimedia referenced the company’s culture and its principal packaging products in developing the design. The office building was envisioned as a precision-made “floating” package, grounded by a precast concrete service core, in an archetypical served/servant plan relationship. One of the company’s principal products is plastic food containers and the associated ideas of containment, display and masking (of the product inside) are explored within the design. In the exterior and interior treatment of the building, there are screens, louvres and translucent panels which suggest the activity behind while masking the full view. The bar code is a consistent theme in the building, chosen to symbolise the synthesis of the digital processes being carried out within the building (accounts and IT) and the retail commodities that packaging is associated with. A giant relief barcode is featured on the front precast wall, broadcasting the company name via barcode language and similar smaller versions of barcode language populate the interior. The main ground floor office space features giant highly lacquered “pods” which reference the cross section of a plastic milk bottle or food container and variations on this form are used to create ceiling panels, wall fragments and windows for the reception, break out spaces and staff room wall.

Hamilton:  2012

Project Team

  • Steve King
  • Linda Crawford

Photography:  Archimedia

Press & Awards

  • NZIA Local Award for Architecture 2012
  • NZIA Colour Award 2012

Professionals used in
Alto Office Building

Archimedia
Archimedia
Architects

More projects from
Archimedia

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About the
Professional

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and Green Star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Identity

  • Archimedia practices architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
  • Archimedia investigates “identity” with each client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.
  • Archimedia respects all cultures and their protocols and the fundamental connectedness of all humanity.

Human Experience

  • Archimedia is ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
  • Archimedia approachs design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.

Environment

  • Archimedia strives for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
  • Archimedia believes in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.
  • Archimedia believes in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.

Process

  • Archimedia believes that the very best process and the very best technology are critical contributors in our quest for the exceptional.
  • Archimedia invests resources to create a better design solution.

Collaboration

  • Archimedia believes in collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
  • Archimedia's staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible.
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