Real Workspace

RURAL WORKSHOP ARCHITECTURE

Tasked with creating a holistic functional space that promotes a balance between work and life, Rural Workshop Architecture (RWA) worked closely with clients George and Kate Guthrie to enable their wellness architecture vision to come to life within the Real Workspace project. The collaborative team used future-forward building systems, including structural insulated panels, European style timber joinery and low-energy mechanical components to create a well-detailed, energy-efficient building. Creating beautiful, functional, and high-performance buildings, RWA is a team consisting of Chris Nott, Sarah Dillon, Jarrod Midgley and Charlotte McKee. Co-founder of RWA and architect, Jarrod Midgley, says each team member has different skill sets but all are passionate about what they do. “We see client satisfaction as the true marker of success for a project. We aim in every project to exceed expectations and deliver beyond what our clients may have imagined.” Impressing judges at this year’s NZIA Architectural Awards event, their modern interpretation of the typical kiwi rural shed houses office areas and spaces for multiple businesses to be based from, the RWA entry received huge recognition in the Commercial Architecture section, winning the award. The panel of judges cited the dark weatherboard exterior as ‘crisply detailed with steel eyebrows surrounding the recurring window/skylight combination. The interior is light and airy, creating a friendly and inviting workplace. Utilities are attached to the entry side in lean-to forms, ensuring the main space is clean and open to the pitch throughout.’

Working alongside their clients was a huge highlight for the team. “We had such excellent nonhierarchical collaborations between client, contractor, and architect. We are all on the same team after all and all wanting the very best architectural outcome – and value for money spent. We listen to our clients and deliver a service that involves a number of design stages as things are refined – enabling lots of opportunity for feedback and input. We also work closely with our selected main contractors and get them involved in the design discussions early on, including early cost estimates.”

Having already collaborated with George and Kate, the owners of George Guthrie Construction, on another project, Jarrod says their deep understanding of the client’s needs contributed greatly to the award-winning design. “We had previously worked with our client contractor on the conversion of an old farm shed into something similar, but smaller, so we all knew what we wanted. This time we also wanted to showcase as much high-thermal performance stuff as we could and make the building perform to a very high standard. We had a lot of fun. We enjoyed the public reaction to the building as it emerged – which was mixed to say the least.”

“A challenge of the project was building through the post pandemic shortages of building materials,” says Jarrod, some products taking nine months to arrive. But ultimately, the wait was worth it, adds Kate. “Real Workspace is an innovative and high spec space that provides a comfortable, healthy, and energyefficient living environment. The interior feels consistently comfortable, with stable temperatures, fresh air, and minimal noise. The design features prioritise natural light, indoor air quality and thermal comfort, contributing to a pleasant and enjoyable space for our tenants. We had regular meetings with RWA for them to understand our wellness architecture vision and goals for the project. Effective communication and collaboration between all involved are key to a successful bespoke architectural build.” Engaging with Jade Hurst from Good Space to help transform the project, Kate’s favourite features include the window hoods, timber cladding and interior design. “Every inch of this build has had thought and process applied. Every product used, bar one, was from New Zealand.”

Events such as these are vitally important for the industry, says Jarrod. “The New Zealand Institute of Architects Regional Awards are a forum to present and recognise great architecture. They have some excellent criteria for judging including environmental performance and our favourite; ‘Contribution to the advancement of architecture as a discipline and the enhancement of the human spirit’. It was a real buzz for us and for our clients and contractors to do so well in the awards this year.” rwaltd.co.nz