78 | ARCHITECTURE Agents of Architecture: HERA Innovation Centre T T Kim Newth Innovation Centre taking shape HERA is an independent research association focused on heavy-engineering research and training. Construction of a state-of-the-art innovation centre to support advances in heavy engineering is fast taking shape in South Auckland. The new HERA Innovation Centre has been designed to foster and facilitate practical exploration, enabling future-focused ideas and leading-edge technologies to be assessed and refined. As the project advances towards completion in July, lead consultant Agents of Architecture Ltd is keeping a close eye on progress to ensure the final phase is well coordinated and controlled. “We’re currently completing fortnightly observations and working closely with the contractors on-site,” says Agents of Architecture’s director Selena Sager. “We have also been assisting the HERA Foundation to meet the project’s ambitious 6 Green Star certification targets. HERA is a global leader in low-carbon circular design research, fabrication and automation, and construction 4.0. The innovation centre is intended to support this research and training for the industry. It is also the first-ever building to be assessed under the Planetary Accounting framework.” HERA is an independent research association focused on heavy-engineering research and training, primarily in engineering, construction and manufacturing, and under the leadership of CEO Dr Troy Coyle, has joined the Planetary Accounting Network. This network is a not-forprofit, whose purpose is to help people, organisations and governments determine how to operate within global environmental limits – the planetary boundaries. Planetary accounting is a way of translating nonnegotiable environmental limits, such as climate change, and biodiversity loss, into actionable, science-based, environmental budgets that can be scaled for use at any level. Selena and co-founder David Klosser launched Agents of Architecture in September 2023 with a clear vision to enhance the quality of life through architecture. Both are proud to be playing a key role in HERA’s visionary project. “We’ve been closely involved in leading the wider design team as well as coordinating with WSP and the contractors on the Green Star credits,” Selena says. “HERA first began planning this centre in 2017, so it has been a long journey for them. It has been a privilege for us to join the project and help drive it forward, and they are very pleased with the outcome.” Locally sourced steel has a prominent part in the HERA Innovation Centre, forming the main structure and shaping the striking layout and look – right from the main entry’s large sliding Corten steel doors. Inside, will be a double-height atrium with a bespoke steel staircase leading to a viewing platform. Glass-encased mezzanine offices, suspended from box portal frames, will overlook the main research workshop – equipped for welding experimentation along with presentations – and training hall for industry education. Driving the project’s Green Star aspirations are various eco-conscious elements and well-integrated acoustics, lighting, and visual comfort features. “Creating a healthy, productive work environment is a key aspect of this project. The design really prioritises occupant wellbeing inside,” says Selena. The HERA Innovation centre will include lowemission vehicle infrastructure, solar panels, and an innovative rainwater harvesting system. Building materials have been carefully selected to minimise the project’s environmental footprint. Agents of Architecture provides full architectural services to the Auckland market and throughout New Zealand from early feasibility through to construction, including adaptive reuse, remediation and sustainable design. Last year, Agents of Architecture was named Most Client-Focused Architecture Studio 2025 – New Zealand at the BUILD Magazine Architecture Awards. Selena says it’s a huge achievement for them, and reflects their commitment to the ethos that inspired their name. “As Agents of Architecture, we act on behalf of our clients to deliver purposeful architectural design with a positive impact and we place our clients at the centre of every decision.” Construction project management focused on clarity, structure, and momentum. Delivering better outcomes through collaboration, alignment, and real connection — with less red tape and no fluff. Your partners for progress. www.kpm.co.nz Talk to KPM today. • Design and Build • New Builds • Warehouse & Industrial refurbishments • Seismic Upgrades • Office Fit-outs LANTA.CO.NZ 09 444 7720 GET IN TOUCH
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