84 | Diverse capabilities Redbox Architects also entered two other projects in the awards, including this Richmond Hills Home, demonstrating the diverse capabilities of the practice. Photo: Virginia Woolf T T from page 82 ARCHITECTURE Redbox Architects “An estimated 20 patients per day were coming from outside of Nelson so the introduction of the new clinic location has had a huge impact on reducing carbon emissions. With the new location being close to schools, patients can now walk or cycle to after-school appointments. Cycle stands are provided for within the design as well as two electric car chargers to cater for growing numbers of EV vehicles.” The building also includes a 14-kilowatt photovoltaic solar panel system on the roof to generate power to offset electricity usage. Materials utilised in the build were chosen with the environment in mind - durable aluminium cladding will require little maintenance and is recyclable at the end of its lifespan. A living green wall in the foyer works to filter air, regulate internal temperatures and provide health and wellbeing benefits to the occupants. A feature built into the security alarm means that all interior LED lighting is automatically switched off when the building is closed. Nick says that all of the sustainable practices used were weighed up against their economic impact and benefit to the client before confirming their inclusion in the design. Redbox Architects also entered two other projects in the awards: 279 Inner City Apartments and Richmond Hills Home demonstrating the diverse capabilities of the practice. In particular the apartment project presented numerous challenges: a two storey 1980’s commercial building with seismic issues, an empty upper level office space, and a desire to provide much needed rental apartments for the city as well as the tricky requirement for tenancies on the ground floor to remain operational throughout the construction. Nick says that the project represents a sustainable solution. “Just demolishing older buildings isn’t a sustainable approach, and with demand for office space in central Nelson declining, while upper Hardy Street has transformed into a busy hospitality precinct, it made sense to remodel the building with a long term vision for residents, shoppers and visitors,” says Nick. Richmond Hills Home showcases the practice’s residential capabilities, delivering a stunning new home to the clients on Richmond Hills. Nick says the design approach was to create a single level dwelling spanning the top of the site, allowing the clients to capture the full panoramic views. Durable, low maintenance materials were selected with the design being conscious of the client’s plans to retire into the home. “It’s been a very successful project and the clients haven’t looked back since moving in.” Oakleys consults with architectural rms across the region in the creation of Nelson-Tasman’s most beautiful homes.
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