64 | Design unlocks stunning views in Birkenhead The building’s design ensures that office workers and residents are able to soak up views in both directions. Malcolm Walker Architects T T Kim Newth ARCHITECTURE RH Cabinet Makers - Proudly supporting MalcolmWalker Architects 09 826 3511 enquiries@rhcabinetmakers.co.nz www.rhcabinetmakers.co.nz If you are planning a kitchen renovation in your home and want to install a fully bespoke design, or if you want custom cabinetry for another room in your house, get in touch with us. We design, manufacture, and install customised cabinetry throughout Auckland, with exceptional standards of finish at competitive prices. Proudly Supporting Malcolm Walker Architects structural design and dra�ing services Prac�cal engineering solu�ons to the residen�al and medium commercial sectors. CAD & Revit Dra�ing Structural Peer Reviews Simon Whitehead BSc (Civil) MIPENZ CPEng Int. PE (Structural Engineer) simon@structureline.co.nz MOB: 027 245 4826 A modern mixed-use building, shortlisted at the 2023 Auckland Architecture Awards, is a striking new addition at the Birkenhead city hub. Designed by Malcolm Walker Architects Ltd, the building embodies a sympathetic response to the location that comes with sweeping views to the Waitemata and Waitakere Ranges. With a five-storey configuration, plus two parking levels, the building offers commercial, retail and residential mixed use and is nestled comfortably in its neighbourhood on Rawene Rd directly opposite a public library and neighbourhood gardens. “The planning and elevations were carefully considered to maximise the site attributes,” says Malcolm Walker, adding that the distinctive roof form offers an individual and particular gesture to the view and the commercial hub. “The building maximised the planning rules of its time – now these rules are considerably relaxed.” Builder George Levick, of Priority One Construction, took the lead on developing the previously vacant site and completed the construction work himself with two others. Standard building materials were selected to ensure the three-man crew could complete the bulk of construction without specialist trades or use of cranes. “It was a remarkable feat of individual building.” The building’s design ensures that office workers and residents are able to soak up views in both directions and enjoy natural cross ventilation and extensive exterior living and social spaces. The shape of the site itself has inspired an interesting exterior design, giving way to a memorable interior full of flair. With spaces that are all different, designed to be special and desirable, it is no surprise that this building is now almost fully occupied. Malcolm Walker Architects is a multi-award winning practice with a strong track record in new residential and renovation, commercial and heritage work. Speculative work is avoided and this has led to a stable, constant flow of successful projects over the past 35 years. The medium scale practice, employing a team of six, currently has three distinctive new homes under design, along with an interesting project for a high density co-operative midrise apartment building. “We also have two historical building refurbishments in Hokitika and some engaging alterations on the go – it’s great!” Malcolm originally started out studying science at university but then discovered architecture and found it fitted him like a glove. Alongside that, he has had a successful cartooning career – including architectural cartooning - with work published in national newspapers and magazines. A long serving member of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), Malcolm has been involved in architecture awards for many years, several times as a juror and convenor at both the local and national level and on the NZIA awards committee. “I’ve also been on the receiving end with a nice collection of national and local awards and have been at other end too with favourite buildings entered and not being awarded. “The essence of these awards is not competition – it’s all about dialogue and collegiality. The more we discuss and compare ourselves, the better the appreciation, understanding and execution of our work there will be into the future.” His own approach is personal, engaging directly with clients so as to create memorable buildings that will endure and be appreciated. “Buildings are not fashion items – they do things, they say things and are always part of a wider context. That is important to me. We are not just designing singular decorative objects.” Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r r ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth “Buildings are not fashion items – they do things, they say things and are always part of a wider context.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=