Architectus

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt

THE TREASURY RESEARCH CENTRE & ARCHIVE

Architectus

ARCHITECTS
Architectus

CATEGORY
Extension

LOCATION
Thames, New Zealand

PROJECT YEAR
2014

AREA
200.0 sqm

PHOTOGRAPHS
Simon Devitt

Text description provided by architect.

This project restores and extends the historic Thames Carnegie Library to provide archive and genealogy facilities for the Thames Coromandel area.

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt

Restoring and converting a listed heritage structure for use as an archive and genealogy centre provided unique design challenges.

The specialised requirements of archive storage and management would compromise the heritage fabric of the original building so these have been designed as an extension to it.

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt

Although built to provide town library facilities in the early 20th century, the library required careful conversion to satisfy the programme requirements of reception, research, storage, and administration.

This has been achieved without compromising the heritage qualities of the building.

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt

The extension is required to provide archive storage, work areas and secure management of the archival material in controlled climatic conditions.

In a manner that is a clear expression of function, current design and technology, the extension adds to the existing building in a complimentary way that enhances its architectural qualities.

The planning provides for secure retrieval of required archival material and controlled research and management of it.

The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
© Simon Devitt

Key responsibilities of the Architectus design team have been to: -Provide for the specialised requirements of genealogy and archival material storage, security, retrieval and management Extend the complex in a manner that retains the visual primacy of the Carnegie Building, addresses the historic streetscape and reflects the innovative spirit that produced Thames buildings like the Carnegie. -Design an archive to current international standards including compliance with ASHRAE standards as developed for the Smithsonian Institute


The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
Location
The Treasury Research Centre & Archive
Floor Plan

Architectus
T +61 3 94295733
Architectus
level 25/385 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia