Crane Distribution (NZ) Limited now has a building showcasing the latest in "intelligent" technology integrating products and systems in an innovative design to ensure maximum flexibility, efficiency and simplicity.

The building in Hazeldean Road, Christchurch (pictured right) is also unique for its three-in-one uses - the 4000 square metre space houses executive offices, Mico Pipelines Christchurch operation at the west end, and a distribution warehouse with seven metre high racking.

The two-storey building - looking relatively simple on the outside but very sophisticated and complex on the inside - has offices for the Executive General Manager, the Commercial team, Human Resources and Administration, the National Support Office of Crane, and the Southern Regional Office.

At the heart of the building's 'intelligence' is a Clipsal C-Bus Control System and a Concept 4000 Security System which integrates lighting, security, air conditioning and audio visual systems. The switches - known as dynamic labeling technology and including colour touchscreens - have not been used in New Zealand before.

Using a concept security system with card readers, employees - having been given pre-approved authority - can enter the building without touching a door handle or a light switch.

If an employee is the first person to arrive in the morning, they will face an automatic sequence of events. The main door will open, access will be provided to the building, and the lights in the main hallway will come on. In advance the air conditioning system will be "enabled." Lights in the employee’s zone will also come on and the security system will be disarmed.

The designer, project manager and installer of these intelligent, integrated systems is Teltrac Communications Limited. They have worked closely with Crane Distribution management to establish the requirements for this showcase of new technology.

The Hazeldean Road headquarters will also be a lighting showpiece. Lighting not seen in New Zealand before will illuminate parts of the new building and will be so advanced, it will future proof the new multi-functional building for up to three to four years.

The contemporary - and future - lighting will be integrated with all other systems together.

Crane Commercial Lighting Manager, Craig McQuilken, says the level of integration of the systems is greater than any other building in the Garden City.

"We want the building to be interactive so we can show off the electronic management systems, and all the associated technology. We want to provide access to our suppliers' customers like architects, consultants and specifiers," he says.

Architect John Lenihan of RCG says the Crane headquarters is "an elegant industrial statement with a sophisticated office interior." Included in the modern contemporary environment are executive offices, boardroom, training room, two meeting rooms and linked courtyard, as well as café space upstairs which doubles as a "pleasing social environment."

"At one end of the ground floor is a meeting hub and kitchen. In addition, the furniture is movable and collapsible and some desks can be electrically manipulated up and down so employees can stand or sit at them. "It is a very ergonomic system," he adds.

Using a new product from Kone, the lift machine is "roomless" with all the plant in the lift shaft. It is cost effective and meets the requirements for the disabled.

John says the three very distinct functions of the building - offices, distribution and Pipelines sales - placed totally different demands in terms of how the building needed to work. "Meeting those three requirements in the one building was challenging," he says.