Daikin Park.

Daikin Park Christchurch is a purpose-built commercial facility consolidating Daikin's South Island operations into a single integrated hub combining showroom, trade centre, training academy and large-scale distribution warehouse. Located within Christchurch's industrial precinct, the project responds to a brief centred on operational efficiency, industry leadership and environmental responsibility within the HVAC sector. The 7,861m² facility is designed to support the growing demand for electrified heating and cooling technologies across the South Island while creating a working environment that demonstrates the practical application of advanced HVAC systems. Central to the project is a pioneering refrigerant reclamation model — a circular approach that prevents high global warming potential gases from entering the waste stream and significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with refrigerant supply. The fully electric building has achieved a 5 Green Star Design and As-Built rating.

The design of Daikin Park Christchurch balances the operational requirements of a large-scale distribution warehouse with a refined architectural response for its office, showroom and training environments. These public-facing functions are articulated as a distinct volume at the front of the building, providing a clear point of arrival and establishing a strong architectural identity for the facility. A defining element of the project is the translucent Corplex façade wrapping the office corner. This lightweight external skin forms a luminous architectural feature that reinforces the building's presence within the surrounding industrial landscape — subtle by day and dramatically illuminated at night. Externally expressed glulam columns establish a vertical rhythm along the façade, introducing warmth and natural materiality to an otherwise industrial building typology.

• Located — Christchurch
• Completed — 2025
• Photography — Stephen Goodenough
• Crafted by — Hanham and Philp