Alfred Nathan House

Client:
The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau

Location:
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Completion:
2017

Design Partner:
Salmond Reed Architects (Heritage Architect)

Contact:
James Mooney

Alfred Nathan House, built in 1906, is part of The University of Auckland’s city campus, providing accommodation for university administration staff. Having undergone a number of changes of use and alterations over the years, modelling of the ‘Italianate’ style building’s seismic performance indicated the need to undertake a number of reasonably significant interventions, catalysing a larger project that included an interior refurbishment and new extension.

Adapting the Category A heritage-listed building to accommodate the University’s new Student Information Centre, International Office, School of Graduate Studies, Student Partnership Office, Communications and Marketing departments, the project required a solution that met the requirements of modern day work environments while thoughtfully responding to the existing heritage-listed rooms and interiors.

On the ground floor southern entry, a series of rooms interconnected with large openings in the existing masonry walls was created. The main receiving space is populated with a number of mobile pill-shaped kiosks which are used as triage points for students seeking advice.

While the original heritage fabric was repainted in shades of white with varying gloss levels to provide a unifying backdrop, a rich selection of greens and ochres, black, and natural oak finishes were added into floors, walls and ceilings to add warmth back to the spaces and create a connection to the surrounding lush planting visible from all windows.

The selection of finishes were deliberate to distinguish between the original building fabric and any new additions in a way that made the building organisation legible and wayfinding more intuitive.

The design team worked alongside the University to assist in furniture procurement ensuring a modern and cohesive outcome for the unique workspaces was achieved.

MoreLess