By Archimedia
Sandfield’s identity – creating “order” from a natural “chaotic” state – and an analogy with a craft moving across a body of water, creating formal order in it’s wake – was developed to generate the forms of metal ceiling and lobby lighting. The external natural world was aligned with the “chaotic” and progressively refined towards the central lobby, where “order” is expressed through light falling on the sculptural forms of walls, floors, ceiling and furniture. Apertures in the ceiling are the key motif expressing the directional idea of a wake or wave. The studio, representing the dynamic business world, is animated by shafts of coloured light, visible to staff, but with-held from visitors. The materials reference a progression from abstract to crafted. The perimeter envelope is plasterboard lined, with structural concrete left natural and steel exposed. Workspaces are carpeted under an undulating metal ceiling. Visual contrast to computer screens is provided by timber enclosing the core, extended to flooring, ceiling and furniture in the arrival and café zones. The timber core cladding is punctuated by back-lit coloured incisions, visible to staff, but not visitors.
Ponsonby, 2014
Project Team
Photography: Archimedia
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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.
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