Palmerston North Police Station

Manawatu's main station is housed in a 1960s building that required a full seismic upgrade to meet today's design standards.  At the same time, it was an opportunity to introduce a cultural narrative that reflects the importance of maunga in a district that includes Taranaki, the Central Plateau, Tararua and Ruahine ranges.  

This was already achieved in the interior, with a geometric design featuring on the windows, walls and floors.  The same pattern needed to be added to the exterior.  To do this, a custom dapple pattern was to be added either side of the main entranceway, extending upwards to cover the first and second floors.  As with the interior, the pattern is displayed with respect and subtlety.  It’s a nod of the head, not a wave. 

Custom dapple screens were fabricated from 4mm aluminium, featuring a ‘pic perf’ pattern and finished in a Dulux Duratec Arctic White powdercoat.  Both the East and West Screens are made from 9 panels that are 1300mm long and 2600mm deep.  There are two different perforation sizes used to generate the overall pattern, with 10mm or 20mm diameter perforations used in multiple configurations.  

Now in place, the screens are an important part of the character of the building and its standing in the community.  The aesthetics, whilst attractive and working to detract from the otherwise spartan feel of the exterior, are significant not only because of what you see, but for the message and respect they signify. 

Architect  Designgroup Stapleton Elliott       Contractor   LT McGuinness                    

Location  Palmerston North