When we featured them back in 2001, Fearon Hay had been running for just three years. Set up by Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon, the studio started out in Auckland, although it now has an outpost in Los Angeles. We were drawn by their exquisite residential architecture, which more often than not was paired with the equally beautiful New Zealand landscape, creating far flung retreats that tempted in every way.
This recent project, Fabric Warehouse 2.0, reflects the practice’s approach to commercial projects. These have often required redevelopment and re-use, integrating their refined modern approach within the context of an existing storage warehouse. Located in downtown Auckland, the project creates two clear spaces – office and warehouse – with bold, installation-like connections, like the metal-wrapped internal stair and balustrade.
The architects describe the exterior as deliberately mysterious – it’s more Donald Judd than big box store. That artistic focus extends to the client’s collection of art and objects, which are scattered throughout the space, alongside internal courtyards for work and meetings.
The entire building is also designed to be self-sufficient, with the ability to harvest rainwater and solar power – elements that Fearon Hay have explored with their more off-the-grid and out of the way private projects. As well NZ and the US, the practice has also worked on hospitality projects in China and Sri Lanka and won numerous awards, including for the vineyard building at the Brancott Estate on the South Island. §
