Hobsonville Point, Hobsonville
NZIA 2020 Finalist Auckland Heritage Architecture Award
Formerly an Air Force Base Headquarters, built in 1939, MAKE have transformed this heritage office into a fresh community hub in the thriving up-and-coming neighbourhood of Hobsonville Point. This new public building is set to provide community focused activities, services and programmes, designed to promote the overall wellbeing and connectedness of the family-orientated Hobsonville Point community.
We were constantly mindful of the importance of retaining the memory of the building, its architectural integrity and Art Deco aesthetics, and its former function of a NZRAF base. In our current age, there is an obsession over ‘newness,’ for demolition, and fast-paced construction. So it was refreshing to design for a harmony of past and present, a design of constraint and purpose, a careful curation of materials and new architectural interventions, that would each pay respect to the heritage context and the incoming intentions for the space.
Previously small offices were opened up, removing concrete walls to create multi-use flexible spaces, supported by new minimal steel cross-bracing unnoticed to the buildings skeleton. As elements were removed, we remembered them by retaining their original locations, exposing the footprints from the past. There was never a desire to conceal the past, but rather accentuate it through contemporary architectural devices.
Both interior and exterior colour palettes were curated in selected tones reminiscent of the NZRAF, in navy and teal, in red and gold, to form an atmosphere of playfulness and communal homes. We aimed to highlight existing decorative elements found on the building’s façade, interior proportions and details. Hidden behind effortless additions of timber panels are upgraded services and clean simple light fittings. Fresh colours were portrayed through acoustic Autex panelling that double-up as durable pin-boards that withstand community use.
We insisted on using products that would further our mission to repurpose an existing building to lengthen its lifespan that would limit its impact on our shared environmental footprint such as Autex panelling and recycled Inzide carpeting. It was important to us that community buildings signify and contribute to our growing collective conscious towards the sustainability of our community values and of heritage architecture.
Photography by David Straight
Design inspiration can often find significance from the context and culture of surrounding areas. Located on Hingaia Rd, Karaka, Hingaia Early Childhood Centre pays homage to Hingaia, a Maori chieftainess who lived in the area. The roof and wall cladding drape over the building in a singular form is similar to that of the Kakahu (Maori cloak) and the viewing orientation towards the south-east looks towards Te Maketu.
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.
Closer to home in Mangere, MAKE has designed a new Gymnasium complex and Office area for EFKS Puaseisei Magele I Sasa'e Mangare East Congregational Christian Church in Samoa. Working either side of the existing steep triangular geometry, the new forms reference the softer curves of the Samoan fale and timber interior panelling.
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.
In conjunction with Establish, MAKE have enjoyed designing a new Early Childhood Centre in the Rodney District.
In conjunction with Establish, MAKE have enjoyed designing a new Early Childhood Centre for 100 children in the rural Clevedon community. The Centre encourages connections to the outdoors, interaction with animals and horticultural engagement. The design form of the building draws inspiration from the barn structures found in the surrounding areas.
On the drawing board
In conjunction with Establish, this new early childhood centre has been designed for 70 children in the heart of Cambridge just outside Hamilton, New Zealand. Inspired by simple and Vernacular forms, MAKE have designed familiar forms and warm and cosy materials where spaces allow for a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
On the drawing board
In collaboration with Establish, MAKE Architects have designed a striking form that traces the landscape and has minimal visual impact to to the road. Blending in with the neighbourhood, the design features vertical timber cladding that enhances a residential feel. This ECE is designed with functional spatial features to accommodate over 60 kids and staff whilst maintaining a strong aesthetic.
On the drawing board
Inspired by Okaihe, Green Island, an uninhabited island off the coast of Dunedin, with its top half covered by dense dark native forests. This new ECE has been designed for nearly 100 children including staff rooms, offices and a very spacious outdoor area. Planning and orientation was crucial in order to maximise sun paths and minimise noise from surrounding roads, as well as to prepare the neighbouring spaces for potential future developments. Internal spaces have been curated to fit multiple classrooms that have individual access to the large sunny outdoor playspace.
We are looking forward to next steps forward for this exciting project, alongside the team at Establish!
On the drawing board
Inspired by its rural location, this new ECE design features details reminiscent of classic Vernacular Architecture creating a homely familiarity blending in to its surrounding neighbourhood. Accommodating 65 children and required staff offices, we were able to emphasise through the cross floor plan a strong integration with the landscape. The simple cross form is orientated parallel to cardinal points allowing for warm sunny rooms. The welcoming in of natural elements is a strong value here at MAKE, and has been reflected here in the form of planters and pockets of greenery, and providing an expansive outdoor playspace.
In collaboration with Establish, we are excited to see this project come to life with an approved resource consent!
