80 | Bank project a tribute to partnership Built to replace an outdated structure on the same site, the new branch now stands as a sleek and earthquake-resilient commercial building designed for longevity and visual impact. ARCHITECTURE Studio M Architecture and Mulholland Construction: Westpac Levin T T Kelly Deeks A long-standing partnership between Studio M Architecture and Mulholland Construction has been further cemented with the delivery of a striking new design-build-lease project for Westpac in Levin. The project showcases the strength, vision, and seamless collaboration of the two closely linked Kāpiti-based companies. At the heart of this dynamic duo is architect Angela Melville, who has recently bought into the business alongside veteran builder and founder Paul Mulholland. The two now form a strong leadership team, combining contemporary architectural flair with decades of practical construction expertise. The Westpac Levin project, completed earlier this year, epitomises their integrated offering. Built to replace an outdated structure on the same site, the new branch now stands as a sleek and earthquake-resilient commercial building designed for longevity and visual impact. “Paul saw an opportunity to build something fresh that would better serve the community and meet modern building standards,” Angela says. “He purchased the property and proposed a design-build-lease solution to Westpac, which they accepted.” Studio M Architecture (formerly Madd Architecture) developed the base building design, while Mulholland Construction delivered the build. Once the structural work was completed, Westpac’s internal architectural team Context, and appointed contractor Maycroft Construction, took over the interior fit-out. For several weeks, both construction teams worked side-by-side on-site, with Mulholland Construction completing car parks, ramps, and finishing touches, while Maycroft focused on the fit-out. “The handover was smooth,” Angela says. “There was constant communication and coordination, especially during the shared weeks on-site. During design we shared our Revit model with Context to avoid any clashes, and it really helped to streamline the process.” Built through a particularly wet summer season, the project posed unique challenges. “We had some dramatic weather through the Christmas period, but the team pushed through to get the roof on, and from there it was all go.” The finished building is simple yet bold. It features horizontal fibre cement panels with negative detailing, macrocarpa timber louvres, and handrails that soften the industrial line, all handcrafted by Mulholland’s skilled building crew. It’s all finished in Westpac’s signature red, making it highly visible from State Highway 1. “You can see it as you come south into Levin, and it has an amazing presence,” Angela says. “That’s part of what Paul liked about the site. It’s got a huge frontage and sits proudly in the heart of the town.” Angela says she’s excited to take the business forward, with Paul stepping back slightly from day-to-day operations at Studio M Architecture. While Angela aspires to eventually develop a multidisciplinary consultancy that offers architecture, engineering, and surveying under one roof, in the meantime, she’s focused on delivering quality buildings that reflect her clients’ needs and stand the test of time. “We’ve got several exciting residential and commercial projects underway across Kāpiti, Horowhenua, and Waikanae.” As the demand for modern commercial spaces grows and regions like Horowhenua continue to boom, the collaborative approach of Studio M and Mulholland Construction is proving to be a winning formula. While Studio M Architecture works seamlessly with Mulholland Construction, it is also equipped to collaborate with any other construction company, bringing expertise and creativity to projects of all scales. Paraparaumu, New Zealand Supporting Studio M Architecture and Mulholland Construction
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