CCM Architects
Project Location:
Newlands, Wellington
Categories:
Commercial Architectural Excellence, Interior Fit Out
Project Description:
Introduction
This project is a community centre for the people in the outer residential suburb of Newlands, Wellington. The site is at the back of a small suburban shopping centre and immediately adjacent a tavern (it is actually built on one of the taverns old carpark areas.) CCM Architects was commissioned to provide a design that met the aspirations of the Newlands Community.
Use of Timber
Timber was selected as the main building element for its cost effectiveness, durability, ease of construction and its aesthetic appeal.
Radiata pine was used in the form of LVL, timber framing,timber flooring structural and decorative plywood. The building spaces, spans and form were constructed using a clever solution with structural plywood diaphragms, bracing walls and roof. This was easy to construct and allowed the building to be quickly closed in so work could continue unabated during the wet winter months.
Through the use of timber the project was able to provide the dual effect a combined finish and structural integrity. This helped significantly in the ease of construction and provided a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish in areas of high wear. In the main hall the finished linings used the nature of the timber grain to break down the scale of the material and provide an interesting finish.
Being a community building it was important to ensure the finishes provided a warmth without the institutional look.
The building has been open since late last year and is proving a destination and popular venue for the community.