2022 Auckland Architecture Awards Winner
Axis Building (1991-92)
Enriching this part of Parnell for more than 30 years, the Axis Building’s 1991-2 adaptive reuse of the Nestle Factory by Chilwell and Trevithick (1925-7) still inspires. A landmark intervention at the time, the inclusion in this older industrial building of loft apartments, office tenancies, and ground level hospitality, made possible here a vital future. The Axis Building showed then, and still shows now, how inner-city suburbs can be revitalised and made socially and commercially vibrant through the retention of their heritage. A recipient of numerous awards at the time (NZIA Local Award, NZIA Resene Best Building Award for Architecture in 1993 and a BOMA Award for Excellence and Efficiency in 1993), the intervention beautifully mixed original elements from its industrial past with robustly scaled steel gates, bridges, steel glazed partitions and balconies, all centred on an oasis-like courtyard with lush planting and reflective pools. A cleverly conceived work-life environment then, it remains relevant and highly rewarding today.
