b'gold standardC helsea Estate has been an important landmark in the heartofAucklandsincetheChelseaSugarFactory was first constructed in 1883. In late 2018, NZ Sugar launchedanexcitingnewvisitorexperiencecentreknownas Chelsea Bay. This new facility serves as the starting point for factorytoursandincludesacaf,astate-of-the-artbaking school and an interactive education zone that sympathetically infuses contemporary elements within the historical context of the existing structures on the Birkenhead site.Theapproachthecompanyhastakentoarchitectural stewardship of its assets throughout its history is commendable, and its a key reason why the site has retained its iconic status. For years, Beca Ltd has been a crucial partner in NZ Sugars conscientious maintenance and development at Chelsea Estate. While Becas work on the Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre was among the most perceptible changes made in recent years, there has been much work done across the entire site over the past decade to ensure the buildings are properly preserved and meet the evolving needs of the company. Although much of this important work may not be especially evident to visitors, one of the sites most recent updates is immediately palpable.The architecture that houses the companys administration was the vision of Sir Michael Fowler, who was not only a renowned architect and former mayor of Wellington but also served as NZ Sugar Managing Director. Although the project may not be the most lauded or recognisable work of his prestigious architectural career, the unpretentious building serves an important purpose on the site. Like many of the buildings at Chelsea Estate, theopposite, above and right: While paying homage to the iconic colourReseneexterior featured the instantly recognisable colour that has beenscheme that has graced the buildings at Chelsea Estate since the 1990s,Titaniaused across the site since the early 90s. This distinct peachy-pinkthe exterior makeover of the Administration Building incorporates aResenehue, which is easily spottable on the banks of Waitemat Harbour,joyful, rainbow-like installation that has quickly become a focal pointIllusionoften referred to as Chelsea Pink is Resene Red Damask. for the buildings visitors and employees. Designed to spark a sense ofReseneAcross the site, exterior surfaces are painted in Resene Redwonder and delight, the installation serves as an inviting welcome to officeScrumptiousDamask complemented with fascia, barges and soffits in Reseneworkers arriving each day while also brightening the spirits of childrenReseneGreyNurse,windowsashesinReseneWhiteandexternalplaying in the adjacent playground. With this project, Beca has createdSimply Redstructures, columns and window frames in Resene Cove Grey.more than just a building facelifttheyve transformed the area into aResenevibrant, dynamic environment that fosters connection, creativity and joySupernovaBefore this consistent colour scheme was implemented in thefor all who encounter it. Their successful efforts were recognised with aResene1990swhich was Fowlers ideaeach of the factorys buildingsResene Total Colour Master Nightingale Award as well as a Resene TotalYellow SeawerepaintedindifferentshadestogivetheimpressionofaColour Commercial Exterior Award. North faade painted in Resene RedResenevillage. And now, the Administration Building has been given aDamask and Resene Foundry with timber decking and screen stainedRed Damaskvibrant new colour scheme that sets it apart. in Resene Woodsman Oregon, west faade in Resene Red Damask,ReseneThe main objective of the update was to replace the roofResene Foundry and Resene Outrageous, east faade in Resene RedOutrageousDamask, Resene Foundry and Resene Illusion, south faade in ReseneResene Woodsman and futureproof the building with seismic upgrades, but sinceRed Damask, Resene Foundry, Resene Supernova, Resene Yellow Sea,OregontheAdministrationBuildingisactuallycomprisedoftwoResene Outrageous, Resene Simply Red, Resene Scrumptious andReseneinterconnected componentsthe main 1950s structure andResene Illusion and roof, fascia and soffits in Resene Titania. Foundry blackwhitemag.com 31'