FROM THE ARCHITECTS DRAWING
Situated less than a 30 minute drive for over 1 million locals, the newly developed Ormiston Town Centre makes use of land earmarked some 20 years ago by the then Manukau City Council.
Par of a broader picture spread over 19 hectares and o include civic amenities, the design included a distinct colour, linking the design to local history. The Kahikatea Tree is the predominant native tree of the area and is NZ's largest ingeniousness tree. The burnt orange colour of the design coming from its fertilised cones.
Wrapping the curve of the car park ramp and incorporated into the adjoining supermarket building, the complimentary use of a custom dapple pattern and custom louvre profiles were to be used in both the burnt orange and 'Storm Pearl' grey.
TO DESIGN REALITY
For the curved wrap, a custom variation of dapple lightshade was developed. Carefully following the contours of the parking ramp and powder coated in that burnt orange, the dappled light accentuates the entrance and exitway as it snakes its way from inside to outside. Chosen for aesthetics and longevity, the dapple panels will continue shining the way for vehicles for years to come.
The burnt orange colour was designed to seep into the adjoining structure, alternating with custom louvre profiles with a 'Storm Pearl' grey powder coated finish. The line of colour is reduced with the louvre height as the orange makes way for the grey, except for a final splash of colour further around the building. The custom louvres, of varying heights at the stairwell location, complete the car park and provide an aesthetically pleasing base design.
When standing back, the complete design is vibrant but not overpowering. The clever use of colour, perforated sheet metal and louvres achieving a grounded look which is rooted in the history of the area whilst providing a likely base for the future and continued urban regeneration.
