A thoroughly modern design considering the day to day running requirements of the tenant and clientele.
The Christchurch earthquakes have presented many opportunities for business and charitable organisations to rebuild their premises in a more modern context than was previously experienced, and Presbyterian Social Services is one of those organizations.
The Dalman Architecture designed building commenced in April 2018 on the same plot previously occupied by the Church administered Services. The main structure consists of concrete floors on two levels, off the form precast concrete panels left in their natural concrete finish, structural steel, timber and metal stud framing.
The exterior is a striking use of Metalcraft Espan metal cladding system and composite aluminium in a predominantly black and white colour scheme. The roof is of a butterfly design clad with Metalcraft profiled reminiscent of the southern alps adding grandeur to the main entry of the building. The windows add to the totally modern look with quite unusual configurations indicative of the architect’s artistic license. The building made it to the top three entries of the Coloursteel Awards for 2019.
The interiors utilitarian requirements are met with steel stud walls lined with gibboard, black aluminium joinery, glazed panels and walls, and extensive use of Autex lined walls of varying colours, layouts and patterns. Decortech panels soften and contrast the off the form concrete panels left exposed as a finished surface in the central corridor. There are two fully appointed kitchens, one smaller for staff and a larger for more commercial functions.
The exterior is landscaped with exposed aggregate paths, plastered block walls and plantings that acknowledges one of the Presbyterian support symbols, the Harakeke. This is of special significance to the support services and features not only in the plantings on the exterior but as the manifestations on the buildings glazed panels also.
