New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/01C | Page 13

The east and west facades are more transparent, having more windows. The striated effect continues here through the addition of vertical sunshades to counter the effect of low sun. “The north facade transitions again to become even more transparent. Behind this facade’s hori- zontal black and white sunshades is a fully glazed curtain wall, giving outlooks to Mt Wellington.” The result is a building with abstract qualities, and a different appearance as you travel round it. There’s as much thought gone into the interior planning as the exterior activation of the building. The large open floor plates are organised to create vertical villages, with three atria stacked on top of each other pushing light into the floors. Inter-tenancy stairs suspended in each of the atria create a strong sculptural focus and provide an attractive alternative to using a lift linking multi- level tenants. Greg Tolley says Kiwi Property’s drive to mixed use is fuelled by the symbiotic relationship between the building’s tenants and centre’s retailers. And No.1 Sylvia Park is just the first building in the wider plan for future development of the site. “We’re investigating a hotel in the mid term and residential living options beyond that. Further, our proposed 25-year masterplan includes additional future commercial buildings and retail facilities.” search | save | share at