Plant Research Laboratories
Plant & Food Research - Auckland
NZIA 2019 Auckland Architecture Award in Commercial Architecture
NZIA 2019 Resene Colour Award
After almost five decades of service, Plant & Food Research's Hamilton Building was in need of a major overhaul. Built in the 1970s, the seven-storey building in Mt Albert, Auckland is the research and development organisation's biggest asset. It houses a variety of laboratory, office and corporate functions, serving as a hub for the important scientific work they do that adds value to fruit, vegetable, crop and food products.
In partnership with Bossley Architects, we undertook a refurbishment that met their immediate needs for a building which complies with modern scientific standards, while providing flexibility and ease of reconfiguration for the future.
We created common open laboratory areas, and introduced extensive use of glass partitions and open access ways. Previously closed-off rooms are now directly visible from the non-laboratory support areas, creating a pleasant, light-filled working environment that is also safer for everyone involved.
The new laboratories are designed to meet Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) requirements with a small PC3 suite incorporated to support their general areas. Dedicated support rooms are provided for special functions when needed to maintain sample integrity or control potential cross-contamination issues. The design of these rooms means they can be repurposed as science and needs change.
Plant & Food Research now have an award winning, fit-for-purpose building, that supports their work while providing the flexibility to respond to everything from potential biosecurity incursions, to the development of novel foods and produce that will benefit human health and well-being.
