Designed by architects Mason and Wales in conjunction with contractors Naylor Love, the redevelopment of two floors of the University of Otago Business School brings the building into line with a more modern learning environment, replacing the wet and cold atrium, which was exacerbated by leaks and the lack of a wind-proof door.

The newly developed ground and first-floor levels incorporate teaching, study and social spaces, an information sharing area, as well as a café and the dean’s office. This new common area will be known as Te Wao Nui.

Otago Business School Dean Professor Robin Gauld says it will provide an engaging central common space for collaborative, formal and informal learning and social interactions for students and business school staff, as well as the wider business community.

The architects selected Atkar’s Au diSlot acoustic perforated wood panels supplied by Asona to be used extensively throughout the two levels of the business schools’ laneways and communal meeting/study areas and in the cafeteria. The durable perforated panels were manufactured in sizes to suit the building and finished in Au DiImage Beech Veneer and have an integrated AIB acoustic backer.

Asona is proud to celebrate 15 years distributing Atkar, Australia’s leading architectural panel manufacturer. Atkar has a 70-year history of working within the design and construction industry with a complete range of architectural and perforated wood panelling systems which are fully customisable, offer leading acoustic performance and outstanding quality of finish. Both Atkar and Asona provide an in-house design service to prepare shop drawings and detail to ensure a smooth transition from design to quality build.