NVDM Offices
NVDM offices
The original building for the NVDM Offices was designed by Nico more than 30 years ago, and towards the end of 2019, a decision was taken to update both the exterior of the building, the interior of the reception area, and the meeting spaces.
On the exterior, we introduced a rust steel slatted screen for layering and for security facing the street. Oceanside installed an exposed aggregate driveway, with honed concrete walkways and concrete-clad walls.  Betula Alba trees, ivy, and bamboo soften the stark architecture, while a huge paperbark (Melaleuca linariifolia) tree imparts an aura of permanence, overhanging the guest parking.
The interior palette explores the juxtaposition between industrial black-painted steel and more refined marble to create a dramatic setting to display some of the furniture supplied by M Square Lifestyle Necessities, and to introduce clients to the contemporary interiors for which the firm is well known.
The layered steel interior wall panels and feature elements were detailed by Steelnox, alongside which the reception counter of black steel is suspended beside the veined grey Laminam counter, which becomes the podium linking the Lema TV unit display. The raised area and passage floors were tiled with the same large format tiles and the main floor of the reception area is epoxy by Terracoat.
A full-length DOCA storage wall of matt, dark glass doors completes the seating area with a Zanotta couch and bronze décor elements. The boardroom across from an atrium is surrounded by a bamboo forest with views into a lush garden.
The upstairs area was extended a few years ago to create a double volume space with a mezzanine meeting space.  The balconies outside the offices are al fresco meeting and lunch areas under a huge Karee tree.
Screeded floors, heavy steel beams that replaced the walls under the concrete roof, and a wall of old scaffold planks create the architectural character.  The crossbracing in this area supports the cantilever section which was added to the existing building.
The atmosphere creates a feeling of working in a treehouse surrounded by a forest where Betula alba, bamboo, and the Karee surrounds the building, screening the summer sun while allowing the winter sun in.