82 | Redbox Architects T T Karen Phelps ‘Imagined with the future in mind’ ARCHITECTURE Redbox Architects has taken out a commercial architecture award at the 2024 New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards for the Nelson/Marlborough region. Judges noted that the project - Nelson Orthodontics Richmond Practice – had been ‘imagined with the future in mind’. Nick Burn, one of the directors of Redbox Architects that worked on the project, says the client’s vision was to create a centre for medical excellence in an accessible location on Salisbury Road. The brief was to provide a highly functional and technologically advanced orthodontic clinic with a sense of openness within. Patient flow (for shorter appointments) was a key con- “The design of the building was kept low and long to reduce the scale of the building to be more in keeping with the residential surroundings.” T T to page 84 sideration and the resulting design is an open plan clinic with private consultation rooms for longer appointments along with additional tenancies for related healthcare providers. Nick says the client wanted a building that fitted in with the existing residential built environment. Redbox Architects’ response was a two level building that presents a perforated screen to the street with a bespoke artwork by Golden Bay artist Robin Slow that gives something back to the community and connects the building to place and whenua. “The work ‘Haumanu’ depicts manu (birds) which are our connectors between earth and sky, between the physical and the spiritual. Haumanu is to restore to health, or rejuvenate,” explains Nick. From inside the clinic, filtered light and pocket views are other benefits provided by the external screening. Tasked with creating an interior that wasn’t another ‘sterile medical environment’ Nick says that Redbox Architects set to bring a homely warmth to the space with a living green wall, pops of colour and oak-look resilient flooring. “The design of the building was kept low and long to reduce the scale of the building to be more in keeping with the residential surroundings,” explains Nick. “The removal of boundary fences to the street keeps the site feeling open; inviting paved areas and planting were used to accentuate the connection between public and private.” Nick says that the building was designed with sustainable practices at the forefront. “One of the key drivers was reduction in travel for patients, this was an environmental decision made at the outset,” he says. Premium Aluminium Windows and Doors 2 Braeburn Lane, Nelson 03 547 0562 info@insitenelson.co.nz www.insitenelson.co.nz • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • ARCHITECTURAL REDBOX ARCHITECTS Insite are proud supporters of Proudlyworkingalongside RedboxArchitects
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