#digitald

— a visual connector — client / Holiday Inn Rotorua completed October 2013 —

The client brief was crafted around the need for the accommodation for the overflow of patrons from the restaurant into part of the hotel lobby. The idea of an architectural screen as a feature wall was based on the idea that it would function as both a visual divisor but would not completely separate and define the ‘overflow’ area as a new room. Additionally the screen could act as a design feature to uplift and integrate with the new lobby renovations.

The screen is made from interior birch plywood with a clear, satin protective coating. The unique pattern was designed with the intention that it would be fabricated using a 3 axis CNC router. The screen pattern is based on a regular diagrid that increases in permeability at the top. Various diagonal lines have been v-cut into the ply to add depth to the pattern. Additionally, the diamond cut outs increase in size as they move further up the screen. This is so seated restaurant patrons are offered greater privacy at seated eye level. The higher perforations allow for the admission of light into the smaller divided space.

Several pattern concepts were conceived in the early design phase. Two different patterns were selected and laser cut at a small scale as a test. From here one pattern was refined and finalised and a fabricator was engaged. To ensure the pattern would read as a whole we were able to establish a seamless connection between plywood sheets by connecting them along the v cuts that were part of the pattern.

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