Cubro, Tauriko

Project details

Designed to house over 5,000m2 of warehouse, workshop spaces, retail showrooms and offices the client required a building that could serve multiple functions yet still provide them with a recognisable and unique identity in the area.

While the overall form is based on the simple and efficient warehouse portal it was important that the office and showrooms were articulated in a way that set them apart from not only the functional warehouse section but also the surrounding industrial neighbourhood. The office envelope has been wrapped with bronze zinc cladding and glazed curtain walls giving this area more prominence on the street front, while the balcony elements have been expressed as Corten steel ‘cubes’ that open to reveal a softer timber internal skin.

The natural palette of external materials was carefully selected to create a building that will patina and age softly over time. The north-western elevation, which would normally take a large solar heat gain, has a secondary façade of deep horizontal louvres which will not only provide a functional shading element but also increases the buildings visual impact. Internally a large perimeter void around the first floor and a high ceiling stud allows the workspaces to be set back from the glazed elevations while creating a voluminous working environment. This layout set the base build up to cater and promote an activity-based workstation environment. The design offers a solution to the practical requirements of the clients brief but also delivers a building that provides them with a uniqueness and individuality that stands out in the local environment.

Awards

2017 NZIA Award for Cubro Tauriko

2017 NZIA : Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Award