KiwiRail’s Auckland office demands innovative flooring solution

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KiwiRail, Rail Management Offices, Auckland. Image: Tom Garner

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Partner content: GH Commercial provided advanced flooring options for the purpose-built Rail Management Offices at Central Park in Ellerslie, with sub-floor access crucial to managing extensive cabling.

Extensive cabling is incorporated into the floors as part of the office’s emergency plan. Image: Tom Garner

In partnership with Oyster Property Group and KKR, KiwiRail has committed to a 25-year term in Auckland’s Central Park commercial precinct. This strategic initiative involved the construction of purpose-built Rail Management Offices spanning 3,358m². Serving as the Auckland Integrated Rail Management Centre, the building facilitates collaboration among all rail industry partners under one roof to efficiently manage Auckland’s expanding rail network.

The building has been meticulously engineered to withstand seismic events, boasting a one-in-a-thousand-year level of earthquake resilience. It encompasses 31km of cabling, approximately 1,500 power points, and is equipped with two backup generators, serving as a lifeline utility that can seamlessly integrate with Auckland emergency management protocols.

Flooring solution

GH Commercial provided innovative flooring solutions for KiwiRail’s new offices, offering Mohawk Flex-Lok Tabs that streamline access to the sub-floor, essential for maintenance and upgrades due to extensive cabling. Designed by JCY Architects, the floor pattern showcases three colors of Godfrey Hirst Spectrum Designer Jet Tiles – 7200 Ashen, 7600 Cinder, and 3200 Zest.

The strategic addition of yellow tiles enhances the floor, fostering a positive workspace environment. Recent studies on office design have highlighted the impact of colour on employee productivity and wellbeing. Incorporating vibrant hues, such as the strategic use of yellow tiles in KiwiRail’s offices, can positively influence mood, creativity, and teamwork among workers.

Product versatility

The Spectrum range offers a diverse range of pattern texture loop pile effects and a wide color palette comprising 18 shades, facilitating bespoke spaces or specific zone developments. Manufactured in Australia and locally stocked in New Zealand, these tiles are Declare^® Red List Free, ensuring compliance with stringent sustainability and chemical safety standards.

Year Completed: 2023
Architect: Jensen Chambers Young
Product: Godfrey Hirst Spectrum Designer Jet Tiles, in color Ashen, Cinder, and Zest
Photography: Tom Garner

This content has been created with support from GH Commercial. ArchitectureNow works with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to create and/or source appropriate content for this website and Architecture NZ magazine.

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