Harbour View Refurbishment

The prominent Auckland waterfront tower of Harbour View, known by locals as ‘the blue building’, is standing tall after a dramatic facelift.

Located on Quay Street in the heart of the city, the 16-storey, 1980s’ waterfront tower of Harbour View Apartments had an exterior and entrance that were rapidly becoming an embarrassment for both its body corporate and its diverse occupant base of business enterprises and apartment dwellers. Visitors were greeted by an unattractive exterior before enduring a narrow, tunnel-like foyer and equally uninspiring lifts.

The ugly blue is now a clean white, and the building’s balconies are edged with modern, clean-lined glass and white moulded soffits that reflect the harbour lights. A new elegant, glass-fronted entrance completes the picture – a statement of modernism in which the ceiling, wall and floor are clad in beautiful white marble that’s glamorously complemented with a feature wall of rich, dark, timber veneer. Randomly located Arne Jacobsen lights illuminate the surfaces to their greatest effect.

“With a modest budget, this project has transformed an ordinary existing exterior elevation and entry lobby into a crafted, slightly surreal gift to the public. An empty space is slipped between the street front glazing and a timber wall that conceals car parking behind. An overall theatrical quality is heightened by the glowing lights and marbled flooring of the lobby. The balconies on successive floors are embellished with inventive use of moulded fibreglass, giving a beautiful drive-by effect.” - NZIA Awards Jury

“A bold, yet simply detailed design, this room speaks to the street and creates a distinctive arrival and departure experience for tenants.” - DINZ Best Awards Jury

AWARDS:
Small Project Architecture Award, New Zealand Institute of Architects Awards (Local)  (2010)

Gold Design Award - Rooms, Designers Institute of New Zealand’s Best Design Awards (2010)

Bronze Design Award - Built Environment, Designers Institute of New Zealand’s Best Design Awards (2010)

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