Occupying a prominent corner of Hamilton’s CBD, Urban HQ shows us that the architects’ manifesto for intelligent renewal of Hamilton’s urban fabric continues with gusto. Denying the condemnation of a disused 1950s building to mere landfill,  the architect has sustainably retained the existing structure and deftly  cloaked it in a new performance-oriented skin. The existing building is  acknowledged by way of an exposed concrete structure, which is contrasted by  clean, modern lines to heighten the appreciation of both. This modern, future-proofed office building is a delight in its combination of memory and function.

Te Kahui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects