When an architect is asked what his best building is, he usually answers, "The next one." But since that can't really be used for inspiration for upcoming buildings, then perhaps the next best thing is to look at the buildings they design for themselves.

Warren & Mahoney have taken this principle on board in designing their new Christchurch offices. The building embraces the core values of the new-look Christchurch, blending form and function in a building with "a sense of strength, creativity and positive public engagement."

The 3,400m² building at 254 Montreal St includes a 1,000m² studio for Warren & Mahoney, and incorporates all the features to be expected in a post-quake project — structural resilience from a raft of seismic measures, thermal efficiency incorporating intricate solar shading, and of course, dynamic devices to minimise maintenance and repair.

And after years of experience working with Advance Flooring's products, it's no surprise really that Warren & Mahoney specified CoralTread entrance matting to help keep the elements outside their building. In what could be described as an optimal installation, the anodised aluminium strips with black polyamide infills fill the generously proportioned glass encased wind lobby, accentuating the myriad of buildings and road markings beyond the plate glass entrance doors.

Studies show that two to three steps on CoralTread can remove up to 86% of the dirt which might otherwise be trampled into the building, and visitors to Warren & Mahoney's office will take several more steps to traverse the wind lobby, ensuring efficiency and a clean and safe environment inside for occupants and visitors.

CoralTread is made by Advance Flooring, and installed globally. It uses an aluminium strip design, made to measure, separated by highly absorbent polyamide infills, and placed on a shock-absorbing vinyl cushion. It is an attractive addition to any entranceway, and ideal for use in high density traffic areas such as commercial offices, schools, airports and hotels.