 Rayonier – Matariki Forests : Levels 2 & 5, 32-34 Mahuhu Cres. Auckland A move to new workplace accommodation saw Rayonier take the opportunity to not only improve their working environment but also to provide a showcase for what they offer. We incorporated their product both in its raw form and where possible as it appears in end products or materials such as hyJOIST, Bestwood Melamine and various species of timber veneer including: Macarocarpa, Tawa, Radiata Pine, Western Red Cedar, Eucalyptus and New Zealand Redwood. With the forest as a metaphor, the concept for Rayonier’s new workplace accommodation was developed around the idea of a walk through the canopy, along tree lined pathways, or roads with forest clearings providing the opportunity for meeting / work spaces. The main ‘forest clearing’ or meeting / workspace is located in the centre of the level 05 office floor and serves as a screen / buffer between the central soft core utilities area with the main workspace located around the building perimeter. The tenancy is split over 2 floors (not contiguous) with the theme of tree lined walkways or paths apparent upon arrival within the level 5 reception area. The main entry wall and waiting area are wrapped in a curtain of stylized tree trunks made up from various kiln dried species from Rayonier forests. The journey along the forest path continues around the central clearing on level 05 and again when visitors are taken down to the level 2 meeting / presentation suite with the primary circulation route flanked on one side by the stylized tree trunks. This area in time, will serve as a history or story wall with items / objects and text of interest set between the stylized tree trunks. Two meeting rooms from a previous fit out were retained. A key consideration for Rayonier was the appropriate incorporation of consumer products that are manufactured from the raw product. To this end, Rayonier were enthusiastic that the products be showcased in ‘non traditional’ means and include innovative use of the products/ materials. This has been brought to the forefront in the way products and materials have been combined, especially in the design of the leaners located on level 02 and 05. We sought to use hyJOIST, (a product which may more often than not be hidden from view) as the main structural element of two joinery units which serve not only as meeting spaces but also as ‘product platforms’. The hyJOIST structure is highly visible from all angles and ‘dressed’ with a variety of panels rebated into the hyJOIST flanges to maintain a flat working surface on the top of the leaners. The rebated panels are a combination of veneered MDF (various species from Rayonier forests) in conjunction with clear or opaque acrylic. The clear acrylic allows the hyJOIST substructure to be visible from above the leaner, while the opaque acrylic serves as a diffuser for LED strip lighting set within the hyJOISTs. The leaners utilize hyJOISTs as the main structural or ‘backbone’ element (and supporting legs) forming the platform for a worksurface with modules of veneered MDF or acrylic rebated into the hyJOIST. The ‘tree trunks’ lining reception and key circulation routes or ‘forest paths’ comprise a range of varying diameter Radiata posts set on clear acrylic spigots so they appear to float between the pine plywood base and head tracks. “Rayonier commissioned Stack to design an innovative workplace using the forest and forest products as a theme. The result has been an outstanding creation that reminds us, and our visitors what we do and how wood can be used to enhance the workplace. Despite various difficulties along the way Stack always kept the vision of what we wanted alive and delivered a fantastic workplace enjoyed by all our staff” Paul Nicholls – Managing Director, Rayonier – Matariki Forests click here for more images |
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