76 | T T Kim Newth Design flair shaping unique spaces in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui ARCHITECTURE Cube Architecture A striking new multi-storey commercial building on Cameron Road in Tauranga’s CBD, designed by Cube Architecture, is quickly gaining recognition as a notable new landmark. The exterior is beautifully lit at night, showcasing the building’s distinctive fin design that resembles Mauao, or Mount Maunganui. This is the biggest project yet for Cube Architecture, a Mount Maunganui-based architectural design practice that has been making a big impact since launching in 2020. Founder Matt Allen brings a decade of experience in the local architectural design scene to his practice, along with a strong network of industry contacts. While launching the studio at the height of Covid restrictions in 2020 wasn’t ideal timing, Matt says strong ongoing growth in Tauranga has paved the way to exciting projects for him and his small team. “Tauranga has been so busy; it has only just slowed down a little over the last few months but we still have plenty of work in the pipeline,” he says. In 2017, Tauranga overtook Dunedin to become the country’s fifth largest city. Tauranga’s current population of around 155,000 is projected to reach 182,000 by 2032. Cube Architecture is bringing an inspired and forward thinking edge to Tauranga’s thriving design and build sector. Cube Architecture teamed up with professional local developer Wallace Development Company to design the new multi-storey commercial building at 93 Cameron Rd. Internal fit outs are currently underway for the key tenants, the New Zealand Blood Service and Manawa Energy. Matt says the original brief was for a three-level office building to provide a new base for the New Zealand Blood Service in Tauranga. When Manawa Energy came on board too, the design parameters shifted. The final design delivers four floors of offices plus an underground parking level, on a prominent corner site. “When Manawa Energy got involved, we were already 70% through the design process. Fortunately, we were able to extend the whole building and pop in another floor without diverging too far from the original timeless design vision. Daniel Marshall Architects The art of listening The project showcased DMA’s innovative spirit. T T Karen Phelps Daniel Marshall Architects (DMA) stands out for the real attention the practice plays to each client’s brief: “Every project is very different. Our approach is to really listen to what the client wants and let this drive the direction of the project,” says practice owner Daniel Marshall. A case in point is the practice’s recent project Marine Parade Piha Kitchen, which earned the distinction of being a runner-up in the prestigious APT Awards 2023. The practice designed the entire home and Daniel says that the client’s brief called for an elegant family home that paid homage to the humble New Zealand bach’s history. DMA’s meticulous attention to detail resulted in a residence where materials and design seamlessly reflect this historical narrative. Elevating the living areas one story to maximize views, DMA strategically arranged them around two court areas to provide shelter from the wind and amplify the scenic outlook. The kitchen, integral to the living space, serves as a pivot point for family and social activities, connecting the lounge, dining, and outdoor room. DMA opted for Corian and Fenix materials to achieve a sophisticated yet utilitarian aesthetic. “The choice of Fenix in Nero Ingo, with its matte finish, beautifully mirrored the expansive black West Coast sand visible from the living spaces,” explains Daniel. “The integration of Fenix, Corian, and a brass bench upstand elevated the kitchen into a luxurious environment, with Corian also finding its place in the bathrooms with exceptional results.” He considers that the project showcased DMA’s innovative spirit, as it was one of the first applications of Fenix at the time. The kitchen’s design, anchored to an insitu concrete wall that threads the length of the house, seamlessly tied together various cabinetry elements, including an AV cabinet with a rising TV. The philosophy at DMA revolves around the belief that architecture is a three-dimensional art form that responds to context and living through the organization of space, sculpting of form, and the materiality of that form, says Daniel. Believing in architecture as a ‘generalist’ profession, DMA engages with all components of a project, employing both digital technology and traditional drawing and modelling techniques. Daniel says that this holistic approach ensures that every design solution encapsulates the client’s vision and seamlessly integrates into its surroundings. Reflecting the diversity of projects the practice undertakes DMA has just completed a home in Hawkes Bay and is working on a 1600sqm project on Takapuna Beach. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to exceeding client expectations, Daniel says the practice planes to continue to leave an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of New Zealand. “Now that it’s completed, I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from people who say it looks amazing – everyone is talking about it and how good it looks.” While ‘the Mauao’ façade design is perhaps the building’s most striking feature, it is also very well-designed from a functionality perspective being in excess of standard thermal envelope requirements and with rooftop solar panels. It ensures low running costs and a comfortable work environment for tenants. As the New Zealand Blood Service is a key tenant, the building has also been designed to function as an essential building in the event of a disaster. Cube Architecture has also made its mark at Papamoa Junction with The Hatch, which was completed some six months ago. T he developer’s brief was to set a new standard for industrial units. This has clearly been achieved at The Hatch, where 23 versatile micro-units combine next-level style with versatility and functionality. The distinctive fins on the upper level façade are a design highlight. “The units sold off the plans and it’s now a super vibrant place with everything from a superette to a tattoo artist and insurance offices. “At the time we designed The Hatch, Papamoa was the fastest growing place in New Zealand so we hit the market at the right time with that one.” Another notable project for Cube Architecture involved designing a high end fit out within an existing building in Tauranga for Da Vinci Clinic, Tauranga. “It was a technically challenging project with a lot of detail needing to be worked through.” Matt has his sights set on the 2024 ADNZ awards. Cube Architecture looks set to be a strong contender in this year’s commercial categories. “Tauranga has been so busy; it has only just slowed down a little over the last few months but we still have plenty of work.” Proudly supporting Daniel Marshall Architects 021 795 647 | PO Box 136, Kumeu | www.icreatebuilding.nz Your reliable and trusted Main Contractor, proud to be involved in the construction of 93 Cameron Road. Visit iline.co.nz for more info... We deliver exceptional quality projects across the Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Fitout sectors.
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