- Year: 2013
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Photographs:John Gollings
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Manufacturers: Allco
Text description provided by the architects. ASB North Wharf is an international benchmark in sustainable building that provides a head office for ASB Bank with a workplace that places staff wellbeing at the forefront.The seven-storey office block consists of two buildings joined by a glazed multi-level walkway over a central public lane. The lane facilitates pedestrian connectivity and a new interconnected public/private space.
ASB North Wharf incorporates a number of innovative environmentally sustainable strategies. The atrium functions as the building’s ‘lungs’ - cross ventilation is achieved by fresh air from the open windows in the façade being drawn up into the top of the building through a unique funnel. The funnel and light reflector on the building’s roof capture and reflect natural light deep into the building. A distinctive sunscreen on the north façade references the leaves of the Pohutukawa, a native New Zealand tree.
Designed from the inside out, the workplace fit out is based on a village concept with themed ‘neighbourhoods’ and a range of communal spaces. These provide a choice of work settings and inspire a sense of identity, community and transparency in line with the work aspirations of ASB.
