The new Piko Wholefoods premises sits on the same CBD site as the original building – which was demolished after the earthquakes. The new design respectfully incorporates the original concrete frame, which played a key role in saving lives.

The new building is constructed of laminated timber columns and beams with steel cross bracing, exposed at street level through fully glazed elevations.

The use of timber frame construction as the major structural element presented a challenge for the ground floor of the adjacent building, with regards to fire rating the party wall at the first floor level.

EDC’s engineering design played an integral role in Piko Wholefoods selection as a category finalist in the 2017 Timber NZ Wood Design Awards.