64 | Development meets ready demand Discovery Architecture has completed a multi-unit warehouse development in Rolleston’s popular IZone Industrial Park. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Discovery Architecture T T Richard Loader Identifying an opportunity to provide an ownership model for small to medium trade businesses wanting to own a functional cost-effective commercial warehouse facility has proven to be a successful development strategy for Discovery Architecture and its partners. In collaboration with its partners, Discovery Architecture has completed a multi-unit warehouse development in Rolleston’s popular IZone Industrial Park, with all eleven units sold. “The premise for the development was why rent when you can own,” says Discovery Architecture’s Managing Director Dave Forrest. “Often small trade businesses start out operating from a home base, and as they grow and expand they need to move into larger premises for storage. That usually means leasing a warehouse, often in a large storage facility with fifty-plus units. We wanted to utilise our knowledge and skill and provide a more boutique option for people to actually invest in their own premises. The owners can now leverage off those buildings for further growth, plus also benefit from the building’s capital gain.” Constructed on 2000m2 of land, the eleven single storey, self-contained warehouse units range in size from 70m2 to 86m2. The multi-units were built as two blocks that face each other with vehicle accessibility and individual parking in between. All units have been designed with an office frontage, accessible toilets, kitchenettes, power and fibre, and the ability to add a mezzanine floor for future expansion. With an internal height of between 4.6m to 5.2m and 3.2m wide x 3.6m high, with auto-roller door access, the units are also suitable for large boats or motor homes. The design includes a simple pallet of textured concrete finishes, colorsteel cladding and powder coated aluminium windows and doors, incorporating subtle architectural features and detailing as a point of difference. Considered functional layouts include offsetting the roller doors to maximise wall raking and storage capacity. “BG Cooke was awarded the project to build the units following competitive tender, but we also had an existing relationship with that company through past projects,” says Dave. “They had a proven track record with specific expertise in regard to tilt-slab concrete construction and have done an excellent job with these units, which were completed at the end of May. With price points ranging from $250,000 and $300,000 all eleven units sold off the plans. They have attracted a mix of trades including a drainlayer, and electrician. They have also attracted some investors and there are a number units now available for lease. We have one person who is storing his caravan in one of the units and it will be his man-cave.” Discovery Architecture is a small boutique architectural design practice based in Christchurch. “We primarily operate throughout Canterbury, but we’ve also undertaken projects in Blenheim, Marlborough Sounds, Otago including Queenstown and Wanaka, Auckland, Central plateau and Taupo. I’ve been in the industry for twenty-five years now and have built up a well-established client base. About seventy-five percent of our projects are commercial office and retail buildings, with the balance being residential new builds.” A practical approach to architecture, attention to detail and understanding construction methodology have been key ingredients in Discovery Architectures success story says Dave. “Before training as an architectural designer I had a background in construction. So I know how to build things. If I can think about how to build it, it can be built.” • General Excavation/Earthmoving • Site Clearing • House Foundations • Drainage Solutions/Drain Cleaning • Tree work/Bush Clearing/Root Raking • Driveways/Entranceways • Farm Tracks • Civil and Commercial Drainage Tom: 027 579 6808 | tom@stopforth.co.nz BROWNE’S PLUMBING & GAS Proudly Supporting Discovery Architecture & BG Cooke 0800 627 776 Brownesplumbing@outlook.co.nz
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