Light Armoured Vehicles Workshop
At a glance
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) sought to create a new structure for its Palmerston North facility that would accommodate its light armoured vehicles and provide various service-oriented design features. The facility needed to maintain a distinctly militaristic appearance and comfortably house over 70 maintenance staff.
The challenge
The NZDF seized an exciting opportunity to establish a modern facility at Linton Military Camp, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of the NZ Army. This facility would provide a spacious workshop area for Light Armoured Vehicles, covering an impressive 2,700m2.
Our response
The Light Armoured Vehicle Workshop at Linton Military Camp seamlessly blends industrial pragmatism with imaginative design. While keeping a militaristic appearance, the facility provides a secure and comfortable environment for maintenance staff in a distinctively striking building.
The workshop boasts a unique drive-through approach, allowing for efficient vehicle stacking up to two deep across four bays located at the centre of the building. Additionally, the facility includes a mix of garage space and workshop areas, ensuring that all needs of the NZ Army are met.
The primary structure is deliberately separated from the building envelope, leaving it exposed, and small windows contribute to the building’s military aesthetic. The end and connection plates for cross bracing are visually balanced and proportionate, reflecting the strength of the surroundings.
The workshop boasts ventilated service pits with custom hydraulic jacks and waste extraction trays, as well as a custom gantry crane for lifting vehicles. Underfloor heating and insulated skylights provide ample natural light, supplemented by dimmable lighting controlled by a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface.
Our team was already well-versed in the development of NZDF workshop and operational facilities, having worked on the RNZAF Base Ohakea.
We delivered exceptional results to the client on time and within tight budgetary constraints, so that user comfort was well-considered alongside the practical requirements of vehicle maintenance.
The impact
The building incorporates several environmentally sustainable design initiatives that offer long-term benefits to the NZDF and reduce the building’s operational costs. These initiatives include enhanced insulation, natural lighting and ventilation, which improve the building’s energy efficiency while providing a healthier and more comfortable working environment for maintenance staff.