Thom Craig Architects Ltd

MegaTower

MegaTower
© Thom Craig

MEGATOWER

Thom Craig

ARCHITECTS
Thom Craig

COLLABORATOR
Bushnell Builders

MANUFACTURERS
Alucobond, James Hardie, James Hardie Exotec Façade Panel, Metro, Metroglass

AREA
24.0 m2

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Christchurch, New Zealand

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The site for the 5 x 5m four storey tower is situated in the centre of the upmarket shopping precinct of Merivale, Christchurch.

MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig

The Client purchased this tiny vacant 25m2 site (previously used for public toilets) from the City Council approximately 15 years ago.

The current re-build of the City since the devastating 2011 earthquakes has given developers the opportunity to re-think urban space and public engagement.

The Tower has a tapering cross-section to accommodate the maximum plot ratio allowed on the site. The four floor plates are attached to an atrium that travels the full height of the building.

MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig

The ground floor accommodates a garage, laundry and entrance/stair leading up to the living, office, kitchen on the first floor.

The final connection is out onto the roof terrace via the library ladder. This ‘moon’ terrace house the mechanical plant and affords 360 degree views across the city.

All the natural lighting is obtained from the south only, as the remaining three facades are located on the boundary.

MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig

This southern facade clad in silver aluminium is in sharp contrast to the remaining solid black elevations. An integrated 3 story electronic adjustable louvre system provides privacy at night while during the day its ‘open mode’ reflects natural light deep into the various floors.

The client has provided a ‘generous build’ that generates visual and physical richness to the surrounding existing built fabric, both during the day (totem) and night (lantern).

MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig
MegaTower
© Thom Craig


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Elevation
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Diagram
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Thom Craig Architects Ltd
T +64 3 9439980
Thom Craig Architects Ltd
94 Coleridge Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand