New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 36

adjacent hospital, so the ceiling heights are much
higher than other research facilities. Near the perimeter, the ceilings slope upwards, which helps to
maximise the natural light.”
Other significant facilities provided in the institute
include a 250-seat auditorium, hot desks, seminar
and video conferencing facilities, end-of-trip facilities, a café, community outreach biodiscovery lab
and community resource facility.
“The engagement with the community has
already started,” says Edwards. “The demonstration laboratory is fully booked a long time in
advance, with many high schools taking advantage
of the facilities. The institute also hosts corporate
team-building events and quiz nights, which are all
highly successful.”
In keeping with the holistic nature of the project,

34

search | save | share at trendsideas.com

numerous sustainable initiatives help to reduce
energy costs. The building is oriented on an
east-west axis to maximise daylight penetration and
optimise passive design. As well as avoiding glazing on the east and west facades, the thermal mass
properties of the exposed concrete slab reduce the
need for constant heating and cooling.
Excessive heat is also avoided by the double
glass skin on the north facade, which creates a
chimney effect. Heat is taken away from the outside
of the laboratories and naturally exhausted at roof
level. There is also external shading to all facades.
External motorised blinds between the two glass
skins eliminate solar penetration while still allowing
the natural light to flow through.
The air conditioning system has an economy
cycle operation that allows outside air to provide

Below:A dramatic sculptural
staircase links all the floors, and
is designed to encourage social
interaction.
Right:Large artworks taken from
microscopic images also enliven
the stairwell.