New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12

of the building, as the position of the sun changes throughout the day.” Another key feature of the exterior is a glass-box garage, which serves to display the company’s vintage 1936 Packard hearse. “This is a recognisable showpiece for the funeral home, and a great advertisement for the business.” Jones says Tse Architects has worked on other projects for Harbour City Funeral Home and had already established an identifiable branding for the company. “It’s a simple, contemporary styling with similar materials – although we don’t prescribe a cookiecutter design, there is a unity to the look.” On the interior, this can be seen in the sleek timber veneers and the design of the reception desk, which features a mix of dark and light veneer. Bluck says the small size of the original premises 40 search | save | share at trendsideas.com on the site was a key reason for the new building, which needed a much more flexible design that acknowledged the sensitive nature of the business. Large operable doors can be used to close off different areas, creating intimate spaces or opening them right up to cater to large groups. The reception area and client rooms can also be used while a service is under way, with no disruption to either group. The chapel can seat 130 people, but glass sliding doors can be opened up to accommodate another 70 people in an adjoining area. There is also an adjoining refreshments lounge. Other facilities on site include private viewing rooms and administration offices. resources & more images 46080 at trendsideas.com Below left:Large timber veneer sliding doors in the Harbour City Funeral Home can be used to close off specific areas. The reception desk incorporates a mix of timber veneers. Lower left:The chapel, which can seat 130 people, features comfortable, locally manufactured pews made from macrocarpa wood. The coffered ceiling is accentuated by feature lighting. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Jason Mann

New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 42