Master navigator

Think world-class marine electronics and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and Navman, the New Zealand company established in 1988 immediately comes to mind.

With innovative products in its stable, flexibility at the heart of its design culture and demand growing rapidly the refurbishment and new space development for Navman in Kawana Street, Northcote, Auckland needed to fit the culture of the burgeoning team within. To accommodate the additional staff required to satisfy clamouring customer demands, the Navman building has now spilled out into the abutting building.

Desiring an up-to-the-moment look, the design was strongly numbers driven needing to provide motivating working spaces for 400 staff, many used to working off-site, into a centralised 4300 square metre area. The need to future proof was top of mind throughout the design process. With technology rapidly changing, the final format is flexible from the office areas through to cafeteria, library and gymnasium to expand as the workforce and customers demand.

Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel covers most interior substrates joined by Resene Polythane on concrete floors for an edgily raw, easy clean look.

Outside a glazed elliptical form with a floating canopy roof commands immediate attention reinforcing the hive of innovation within.

Architect: Tony Gracie, Gracie Architecture
Building Contractor: Amstar
Painting Contractor: Velco
Photographer: Peter Beattie
Resene: Dean Blackwood, South Auckland Area Manager; Meryl Southey-Brown, Colour Support Representative
From the Resene News – issue 1/2006