Glasshouses are positioned where cars were likely to have been parked when the building was in its original use.
Used oil drums have been repurposed into lockers, planter boxes, bike stands, seats, light fittings and dividing walls.
Remnants from the building’s previous life as a mechanics workshop are paired with refined surfaces like glass to create a unique and sophisticated space.
A used shipping container and existing four post car hoist come together to create our formal meeting space.
The oil drums which were collected from the street as a neighboring car mechanic would dispose of them.
Recycled rimu planks have been made into a custom table sized precisely for the shipping container meeting room.
The performance of the building has been upgraded with a new high insulation roofing and energy efficient heating.
With the change of times, office workers are seeking less conventional working spaces - something different from the typically rigid, high end office fitout.
This building was an existing mechanic’s workshop as was purchased with the hoists and a healthy amount of grim in place. The spatial planning of the renovation was driven by the location of those existing hoists with glass houses positioned where cars were likely to have been parked when the building was in its original use.
Where possible, materials used have been salvaged and recycled. The most prominent design element is the repurposed oil drums which were collected from the street as a neighboring car mechanic would dispose of them. The drums have been re-envisioned into lockers, planter boxes, bike stands, seats, light fittings, and even a sculptural dividing wall.
A used shipping container has been suspended on the existing four post car hoist to provide a private meeting space. The second leftover car hoist, located centrally in the building, serves as a casual meeting space.
Hundreds of plants have been spread throughout the building, planted in moveable reused oil drums to allow layout flexibility. The goal was to create an interior rainforest and allow biophiliac design to support wellbeing and cognitive function. Light has been filtered to be as natural as possible and pets are welcomed.
This project is a collaboration with Pippin Wright-Stow of F3 Design.
Judges comment:
“Vivid blues, fire engine reds and industrial yellows contrast against historic fixtures, while salvaged materials and greenery bring energy and optimism to this eclectic work space.
A brave design focused on celebrating the workshop’s history while harnessing and enhancing the creativity which now happens within the space.”
Awards:
ADNZ Resene Colour Award National Winner
ADNZ Commercial Interiors Regional Winner
Best Awards Offices & Workplace Environments / Between 200 and 1000m² Finalist
Best Awards Repurposed Spaces / Over 150m² Finalist