Waipareira Trust Office

A minor renovation project turned out to be a major refurbishment project including demolition of walls, stripping old carpets and damaged ceiling tiles of a 270 square metre space. With just two months to complete the work and a tight budget, but a complete freedom to design, the challenge was on.

The design pair shared the task of designing, drawing, project managing, tendering, resourcing materials and new furniture. Nights were spent at the drawing board and days were spent on a site. Paint colours were tested directly on the walls.

Due to the depth of the room the workstations were positioned diagonally to allow full sun light penetration enhancing natural lighting.

Three meeting rooms were pushed to the back of the space and painted in vibrant Resene colours, which inspired the client to name the rooms after Maori Gods: Papatuanuku (red room), Tangaroa (turquoise room) and Tanemahuta (green room). Resene Celery on doors perfectly picks on on the hue of the Akoya wallpaper, also from Resene. Lampshades are created using Resene Observatory, a nod to the cultural identity and an added accent and bright spot in the colour palette.

The renovation and colour palette has brought together a large, sunny, airy space in place of previously dark offices.

The vision to create a warm and positive Whanau environment has been achieved and welcomed.

Architectural Specifier: Chinara Sharshenova
Building Contractor: R&S Interior Fitouts
Colour Selection: Chinara Sharshenova and Tatiana Shumkova
Photographer: Olga Tojuba
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2012

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