Vodafone InnoV8 Building - Christchurch, New Zealand

Vodafone's new ‘Innov8’ building, located in Christchurch's innovation precinct, has been designed to the highest green building standards.

Project details

Architect: Jasmax

Product: Vulcan Cladding

Vulcan Screening

Completion: Early 2016

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Vodafone's building has featured Abodo’s Vulcan Cladding extensively through the interior and exterior, it’s the first commercial property in Christchurch’s innovation precinct to be awarded a Green Star Design rating from the NZ Green Building Council.

The Vodafone Innov8 brief required the design team to create a positive, healthy interior environment that not only brought people together but nurtured their well-being.

With this in mind, the team developed the concept of a laneway tree house, which also helped inform the fit-out concept of the urban village; connecting those working in the office with each other, and with their surroundings.

The use of timber was key in realising this design intent and in bringing a level of familiarity, warmth and tactility to the structure at a level where people will engage with it directly. InnoV8, Vodafone’s new South Island base, has achieved a 5 Green Star Design rating. Jasmax chose Abodo Vulcan timber as it is made from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified renewable NZ radiata pine forests.

The timber is locally sourced and has been through a patented treatment process which removes the need for the timber to be chemically treated. This means it’s safe for people and the environment, a great fit for a project of this kind which promotes sustainability and well-being alongside business success.

Abodo Vulcan thermally modified timber features extensively on the exterior elements of the building including solar screening, feature panels and decorative insets. The timber was chosen due to its natural durability and stability, meaning even in weather-exposed conditions it will achieve exceptional weatherability and maintain its beauty for a lifetime. Abodo worked with Jasmax to design a custom profile for exterior soffit that accommodates a red aluminium ‘T’ section profile making for a striking showcase of the client’s corporate colour.

Kept at street level and protected by an eave, the maintenance on this natural wood façade will be minimal and easily accessible. Jasmax created a special connection detail in consultation with Abodo to accommodate Vulcan timber solar screening on the exterior facade.

The entrance and reception area utilises timber elements to offset hard surfaces – and to bring warmth and beauty to the stylish, technology-focused layout. Abodo Protector was used to finish the timber. It is a natural penetrating oil designed to be used exterior, however due to low VOC and being non toxic in nature, it was able to be used inside to maintain a consistent aesthetic.