Coat of many colours

Architects and designers are always looking to create a point of difference, but opportunities can be limited when working to a tight budget.

In designing the Quattro Maison Apartments in Wellington, Paul Kerr-Hislop of Art + Architecture and Gus Watt of Watt Architects, came up with several innovations.

The development, which was conceived as four linked buildings, needed to maximise the site coverage while still providing plenty of natural light. To meet these requirements, the team designed a cruciform-plan circulation system between the buildings.

Because a tight budget stripped the original scheme of roof gardens, trees and vines, the designers chose an adventurous colour scheme. This not only distinguishes the development, but also highlights the overall composition with the four separate buildings. It also ensured the project won this year’s Resene Total Colour Commercial Exterior Award.

Along the street front, the facade sets up a rhythm of solid and void. The tall, prominent tower elements are emphasised by strong vibrant colours that contrast with the recessed balconies in grey. The towers are painted in Resene Topspin, Resene Rhapsody, Resene Norwester and Resene Guru. The grey is Resene Raven. White and dark charcoal also feature with Resene Alabaster and Resene Crowshead.

The exterior is painted in Resene Sonyx 101, a durable semi-gloss waterborne paint that is Environmental Choice approved. Timber elements are painted in Resene Woodsman, a solvent-borne wood stain that enhances the look of the woodgrain. Resene Woodsman is also available as a waterborne Environmental Choice-approved wood stain.

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