The former Arts Building, now known as the Clocktower stands as a distinctive and beloved Auckland landmark. Since its design and construction in 1923 by Roy Alstan Lippincott and his partner Edward Billson, the Clocktower has remained the heart of the university campus. Salmond Reed was tasked with designing a new accessible entrance.
Situated within a Devonport character heritage neighbourhood, the existing masonry house and garage, dating from the 1980s, were of somewhat indifferent architectural character. Our clients sought to renovate both buildings with a contemporary design approach that would preserve the scale and massing of the surrounding heritage streetscape.
Specific requirements of the client’s brief included maximum possible height in the main studio working space, provision for a variety of potters equipment (2 x kilns, drying and storage racks, wheels, workbenches). Also required was a separate office and a general storage room to be sited directly off the adjacent street.
Given the building’s location hard against two site boundaries, the design needed to respond carefully to a very tight planning envelope. While located within a special character area, it was important the new studio be unmistakably modern rather than mimic historic styles. Although initially met with some apprehension by the Community Board, the gently curved roofs were ultimately recognised as fitting well into the local streetscape.
A combination of solid plaster render, ply board and batten, timber joinery and corrugated steel were used. The size, scale and finish of these materials were explored and included smooth finish render, meranti ply and corrugated baby iron as the three types of wall cladding.
The client’s requirement of a robust wall lining material lead to the use of ply sheet lining to all walls and ceilings (including the curved ceilings throughout the studio). Client selected terracotta tiles were used as a durable and practical working floor suitable for such a studio.
Drawing inspiration from the materiality of the existing materiality of the house of timber, steel, and plaster — our design sought to enrich those textures and create a timeless, relaxed, and classic environment. Special care was taken in shaping each space to foster a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with thoughtful use of every available nook and cranny to create intimate spaces.
