Prebbleton Village
The newest retail hub for the growing Prebbleton Township is a boutique mix of 15 tenanted units spread across three buildings. Covering a floor area of 2,413 square metres, with 59 parking spaces, it provides the exact kind of local destination the growing area needs, with cafes, health care services, retail shops and a gym.
The design includes features intended to enhance not only the visual characteristics of the shopping village, but also the usability. Entrance canopies and window shrouds provide enough shade for the interiors to project their window displays outwards, capturing the attention of passers by and shoppers, while simultaneously reducing the solar gain inside for a more pleasant shopping experience. Then, a feature canopy towards the rear of the village makes use of light to beautify the walkway, adding a final flourish to the development and providing a reason to seek out the back corner of the precinct.
Rather than box in the entire window, the shrouds are positioned to shade from a singular side and from above and maximum protection from the peak sun is achieved while keeping the windows as open as possible without detrimentally affecting interior comfort. Using Solaris 450 fixed aluminium louvres, fixed with a rear mounted channel bracket, and finished in a standard Dulux Duratec powdercoat, the shrouds match the same dark colour used in the design to create a sense of upmarket refinement. They have a presence that is felt even if not consciously seen.
The entrance canopies are similarly coloured and constructed from 3mm folded aluminium, measuring 1600mm wide by 975mm deep, then connected to the structure by tie rods. The depth of the canopies is just enough for them to be functionally effective without becoming overbearing and off-putting.
Then there’s that feature canopy. The custom dapple pattern with variable sized openings transforms the walkway with waves of light bubbles. The effect captures the curiosity of those nearby and draws you in, which is when the dappled light pattern becomes calming, like the relaxing feeling gained from the gently rippling reflections of swimming pools. At 2100mm wide and 12000mm long overall, the canopy climbs and descends in a gentle zigzag pattern. Or maybe they are waves drawing you in like an outgoing tide. You decide.
The effect of canopies in retail centres are well documented. They help transition people from one place to another and have a direct effect on dwell time by providing either respite from the sun and allowing the interior displays to be viewed, or by simply being attractive enough to draw you in to investigate. In both cases, the added dwell time and added attraction spell success for retail stores, as is the case at the Prebbleton Village.
Architect Walker Architecture Contractor Consortium
Location Christchurch
