New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 48

storeys high and covers an area equivalent to three
rugby fields. Not surprisingly, the vast scale of the
structure created several challenges, notably the
need for accurate detailing.

centre was an owner-user project, rather than
developer driven, meant the end result was exactly
what the client required.
“Developer profit was not the focus. Because the

“With each component repeated thousands of
times, it was essential to get the detailing correct –
this was a major focus for the team.”
McCombe says the project also presented a
significant departure from standard architectural
documentation procedures.
“Farmers was not only the client, but also the
main contractor and project manager. This meant
we were not providing one set of architectural
drawings to a single building contractor. Rather,
we needed to create different sets of construction
documents for separate subcontractor tendering.
We also assisted with the tender negotiations.
“Tse Architects used BIM software for the design
and documentation, so we were able to answer
very specific questions about the required volumes

facility was for its own business, JPL Group could
take the longer view.
“For example, there was a discussion on the
most cost-effective way to bring large containers
up to the mezzanine floor for unloading. We were
looking at cranage, which would be an ongoing
expense, and JPL asked what a ramp for a truck
might cost. The amount was not insignificant, but it
made economic sense in the long term – the costs
could be recouped quite quickly. So the building
has ramp access for 40ft container trucks, which
is believed to be the only such facility in a distribution centre in New Zealand.”
Special consideration was also given to fire
safety and the work environment. The building was
designed to allow easy egress from all areas in the

for material supply and purchase.”
McCombe says the fact that the distribution

event of a fire. And roofing and cladding colours
were kept light to avoid passive heat build-up.

44

search | save | share at trendsideas.com

These pages:The JPL
Distribution Centre was designed
by Tse Architects, a firm with
extensive experience in the
design of warehousing facilities.
The mezzanine floor will
accommodate containers.