Chemistry Building Refit, University of Auckland
The University of Auckland’s Chemistry Department is undergoing a major upgrade as part of the refurbishment of the 1960s' Chemistry Tower Block. Stephenson&Turner was commissioned to design the chemistry research floors, including a series of laboratories for the various chemistry disciplines, as well as a separate, stand-alone laboratory for wine and food science. The laboratories are made up of interchangeable, modular laboratory benches and associated wet stations. The bench systems and over- and under-bench storage units were developed by S&T following successful applications in other laboratories at the University. Benches comprise a variety of tops, with Trespa adopted in the research laboratories, ceramic sinks at the wet stations and plastic laminate at write-up stations and bases.
In addition to the generic laboratories, a range of support spaces has been provided to house specialist equipment, including New Zealand’s first robotic synthesiser. These are placed in non-standard (but centrally located) areas behind the lift core and between shear walls that visually dramatise the exterior of the building. The interior design reflects a modern, clean ambience, with spaciousness enhanced by light wall colours and the extensive use of glazed screens. Fluorescent luminaries in suspended proprietary ceilings provide an even level of illumination for laboratory work and write-up activities. Health and safety practices are catered for, to avoid the mixing of laboratory with non-laboratory functions and traffic through laboratories to access non-laboratory spaces, and to make the laboratories as open plan as possible to enhance supervision.
