Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

The interior palette of the Blockhouse Bay Library refurbishment references and evokes memories of the Bay. It speaks of the transition from the land folding around the beach, to the water, which then connects to the Manukau Harbour.

The walls are a lush palette of vibrant colours reminiscent of the Bay on a summer's day - the red of the pohutakawa flowers in full bloom, flax yellowing in the hot summer sun, the varying tones of green within our dense native bush with its filtered light, and finally the murky teal of the bay itself.

Carpet tiles selected for the library were chosen from Interface's Net Effect collection - a collection made from recycled fishing nets, the tile design tracing tidal patterns. Using this pattern, the carpet traces the Manukau Harbour, tracing the water, the shoreline and the land - a lighter tile giving way to darker expanses of water, the Harbour. 

Visitors enter the library through the mouth of the harbour - green and red channel markers on either side, located close to the shoreline. Throughout the library, these bold, bright channel markers work to indicate a series of key areas within the library - including the service desks, self issue, the children's zone. In the Children's Space, the monochromatic palette of the main tiles gives way to a playful array of green, the subtle textural variations adding interest and encouraging interaction.

New Lynn, Auckland
A key element of the refurbishment of New Lynn Library was a reorganisation of the layout, with shelving realigned to open up the library and create visibility through to the exterior environment. The previously solid bulk of the service desk was lightened through the creation of a new breathable, interactive service zone.

Interior colour selections are a nod to Crown Lynn Potteries, a key part of the local history of the area. Crown Lynn's colour glaze range inspired the vibrant shades of orange, teal and pale blue used throughout the library.

Papatoetoe, Auckland

A project for Auckland Libraries, this design pays homage to the original 1970’s interior architecture/structure and features a bold and playful modern carpet design layout, new service spaces featuring stunning David Trubridge overhead lighting, and customised Service desks. The refurbishment also includes a new Staff kitchen and Meeting Room, along with a refurbished mezzanine Teen space featuring panellised Autex acoustic wallcovering.