Te Ara Turoa is located in Parnell beside a number of historic buildings, including the Axis building built in 1926

The Axis Building, positioned directly opposite the site, defines the street edge / boundary corner and the scale of its urban context. To respond to this noble neighbour, we propose the solid and honest material of concrete designed with strong vertical lines with similar façade proportions. Some inspirations were also drawn from the artistic movements that were internationally present at the time of the Axis’ building construction in 1926.

The corner of St. Georges Bay Road and Garfield Street will form the main entry to the building. This will create an opening that will lead into the atrium and provide light and visual connection to the inner part of the building from the street from the entry. Above the entry there will be a link bridge, connecting the level 3 floor plates. Cantilevered bridges overhanging the atrium void will act as a mini “sky court” for the upper level tenants. The atrium also contains the main cores, allowing the occupants to experience the sky court vertically as well.

Photography by Simon Devitt