Athfield Architects took out the 2012 Supreme Concrete3 Sustainability Award for its extensive refurbishment of the new Christchurch Civic Building on Hereford Street – a transformation of what was the New Zealand Post Building into an architectural statement that adds tremendous value to Christchurch.
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The judging panel applauded Athfield Architects for the way in which significant changes were made to the existing concrete building, creating spectacular work and interactive spaces without losing the original architectural and industrial heritage.
This is a truly outstanding example of adaptive reuse, one which demonstrates the flexibility of concrete as a sustainable construction material. It continues the emerging trend in New Zealand of optimising resources and enhancing the built environment through the innovative refurbishment of our existing concrete building stock.
The design reconfigured the building’s existing service and transportation cores, and added mezzanines to the main office levels. The existing precast concrete cladding panels from the southern facade were removed, reworked and reused on the northern side to create a completely new extension with double skin facade, and circulation stair and winter gardens behind.
Despite the significant changes, the design retains and celebrates the building’s original Brutalist style. The new construction materials read deliberately as distinct insertions, to set up a contrast between old and new, providing visual interest and complexity.
The Christchurch Civic Building is the first to receive a 6 Green Star Office Design rating, further testament to the project’s successful outcome.
On their way to the top prize, the Athfield Architects team were also presented with the Excellence in Commercial Concrete Construction.
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Trevor Watt of Athfield Architects accepts the 2012 Supreme Concrete3
Sustainability Award from CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth