The final design for the BAS interior major, a retail store design capturing the brand essence of The Wellington Apothecary Co with a focus on experience and atmosphere. The design approach was to establish the essence of the company to form a branding script and lead the initial designs of intimate detailing in order to achieve a store interior in its entirety. At completion, the final design was then presented to the client.

October 2014

Original concept design for the retail space of Wellington Apothecary Co, where the creation of a script, outlined below, lead the development of the interior space along with requirements from the client themselves.

COMFORT

The soft sensual lighting plays on your senses as it contrasts the vast open entrance from the cold pavements edge. The warmth within provides the comfort the customers crave as you invite them to experience the homely atmosphere around them. It is your role to capture the serenity of the environment and evoke the feeling of calmness and relaxation. As the light visually encloses the space, like being wrapped in a favourite blanket, it is necessary that the customer be comforted by both your service as well as their surroundings.

TRANSPARENCY

The threshold of comfort is accompanied by the transparency of what surrounds, providing a sense of familiarity. Natural aspects are captured throughout and the customer is informed of the product through the knowledge you provide. The essence of an internal oasis is achieved, as the products become the sanctuary. The transparent solution you provide is guidance and comfort towards an understanding of what is contained within, you are the teacher and they are the student. 

FULFILLMENT

Soft, sensual atmosphere encourages the customer to feel calm as the relaxing lighting highlights different aspects of service. You are able to strengthen the feeling, which is evoked by inspiring them to embrace the product and services provided. The friendly service you provide will heighten the comfort of the atmosphere and allow the customer to learn from you. Whilst embracing the surroundings, product and service and the effect this has on their senses, the customer will leave fulfilled.

September 2014

When exposed to the natural environment, some materials will undergo metamorphosis resulting in an altered appearance. These transformations may be slight or dramatic, nevertheless change and material decay has occurred. Within the cemetery of Waikumete a historical timeline has been pathed, marked by oxidation, erosion and weathering throughout the site. These changes form a visual language speaking a silent story of what resides, marked by details of colour, creating a visual experience.

Alteration of appearance through routine occupant use and deterioration will conceive an architectural form, built up from layers which will harmonise with the site, resulting in an architecture which over time will become embedded within the historical context of Waikumete.  

June 2015

The Sakin Suite, Turkish translation of serenity, was developed from a brief requiring the choice of a single country, which could be emulated within a hotel room interior.

Inspired by the ancient cultural divide and amalgamation of Turkey, the Sakin Suite offers a unique experience where the visitor can be fully immersed in a single concealed area or enjoy the tranquility of a vast open space revealed by the opening of traditionally patterned screens.

April 2014

Sendika, the hotel of unity, is the incorporation of separate spaces into one; where circulation is created through changes in floor level throughout the communal drinking, dining, and foyer zones, concealing an underground bathing area. This design was developed from the original Sakin Suite through the process of circulation and zonal mapping and finalised with the Turkish communal baths located beneath ground level.  

June 2014

Located in Devonport, Auckland, the engineered timber, mid high-rise structure concept is the first of its kind for New Zealand. Flowing branch-like wooden columns surround the building, emulating the pohutukawa trees, and maintaining the beauty of the natural condition of the site whilst remaining a visually striking addition to the area.

The lower level, six meter high open space and atrium can be accessed by the public creating a community destination with toilet/shower facilities and eateries which increase pedestrian movement between its natural surroundings nestled amongst native trees and the built environment. The ground level is naturally lit by a central atrium expanding the height of the building. The remaining six levels are residential apartments, opening out to the facades, encapsulating the views of Waitemata Harbour.

Contributors:

Grace Wilson

Shandre Damons

Ellena Young

September 2015

Fusing multiple programmes through use of transitional space.

Located at 13 York Street, Parnell, Auckland, the brief was to create a mixed-use space derived from research of the urban surrounding. The result is architecture that 'fuses' the residential and commercial buildings within the area. The development incorporates a youth center, small market grocer, cafe and bar, and outdoor courtyard with the introduction of a pedestrian street.

October 2015

Fusing multiple programmes through use of transitional space.

Technical application and construction of the proposed mixed-use design was required along side a sustainable approach. Window detailing with specialised glazing, a roof top garden, and photovoltaic membrane were components of the ‘green’ approach.

October 2015

‘The Artist Retreat’ designed for Wu Gunazhong, located within the Kunming Rock Forest in Southern China. The retreat is heavily influenced by Gunazhong’s idea of becoming one with the land along with traditional aspects of Chinese architecture, Symmetry and Feng Shui elements.

A symmetrical axis provides views on all four sides whilst promoting cross ventilation required by the humid climate. Development of the plan included three half levels which begin with the central area equal with the land, and each room off this step further down into the earth concealing the interior yet welcoming the exterior within.

September 2013

St Kevin’s arcade, sitting between K road and Myers Park, is a significant piece of Auckland’s architectural history. The current transformation of the space is working to revitalise years of deterioration, disclosing an unwritten story as layers of its lifetime are revealed.

The film is a record of the workmanship being applied to the arcade and how these art forms will eventually restore the architecture to its former glory.

November 2015

‘Pyrolight’ a 1:1 scale LED light pavilion designed by a group of four students, including myself. This pavilion was firstly modeled to a smaller scale, developed and then proposed to lecturers, allowing further changes to be made before being built to 1:1 scale and displayed in an interactive exhibition.

The name ‘Pyrolight’ references the design influence of the life of a firework from its fuse beginnings to the finale of an explosion of light within the sky.

Contributors: 

Grace Wilson

Nina Lowe

Kimberly Moh

Siobhan Seifert

October 2013

A sketch development project and introduction to the use of Autodesk Revit. The design requirements were a residential fit-out of a garage currently holding a boutique brewery in Wellington, The Garage Project.

The brief required a design that incorporated tri-generational living and was the first assignment to be completed after an open and extremely conceptual first year of BAS at Victoria University.

June 2013