National Category Winner: Resene Commercial Fit Out Project: BLACKEntrantBLACK Project PartnersBLACK (Construction Company), Cheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), Norman Disney & Young (Engineer) Owned ByBLACK
This commercial fit out saw BLACK upgrade and relocate its head office in Auckland. The final design included significant employee input and features, such as kauri floors, minimalist design, and extensive amenities.
Due to certain structural constraints, a plan was devised to transform the space from two residential apartments into a single commercial area. The replacement of windows on the 16th floor posed a challenge, requiring the use of carefully engineered cantilevered scaffold systems to avoid disrupting the floors below.
Sustainability was given high priority during the project, and sustainably certified materials sourced from New Zealand were used in the construction. Additionally, the office is presently in the process of obtaining WELL Certification, which is a first for any New Zealand construction company. |
Project: Stats NZ Commercial FitoutEntrantMcKee Fehl Constructors Project Partners335 (Architect/Designer), Beca (Engineer), BlackYard Engineering (Engineer), Jasmax (Architect/Designer), McKee Fehl Constructors (Construction Company), TBIG (Project Manager) Owned ByArgosy Property (No.1) Limited
The commercial fit-out for Stats NZ was a significant redevelopment project situated in the heart of Wellington. The building is also home to the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) and boasts a central atrium and stairwell designed to promote stair use, increase natural daylight, and enhance connectivity between floors.
Stats NZ's goal was to adopt an activity-based working style, and to achieve this, the design team, along with Stats NZ and McKee Fehl, had to understand Stat’s NZ objectives and outcomes. Specifically, they needed to understand how the building would be arranged to support business performance by improving productivity, collaboration, and creativity.
One critical requirement for the project was to achieve a 130% NBS rating. This was of utmost importance as Stats NZ had previously been displaced from their last building due to an earthquake.
Overall, the Stats NZ commercial fit out is designed to enhance performance and well-being, with a focus on flexibility, collaboration, and sustainability. The project has succeeded in creating a dynamic and modern workspace that reflects the values and vision of Stats NZ. |
Project: Dinosaur Polo ClubEntrantCatalyst Group Project PartnersCatalyst (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) This commercial fit-out created a homely, non-corporate space for a video game developer in the heritage NZX building in Wellington. With a ‘people first’ sustainable design approach, wellness, accessibility, and diversity were the priorities for this project.
The design incorporated several curved walls which are nontypical in commercial interiors and were new to the builders. There was also limited space on the small site, with people working in very close proximity. Sound planning and collaboration were needed throughout the build.
Sustainability is evident in this project, which featured various recycled elements, the retention of existing build elements, and a focus on sourcing local materials. While the project faced supply chain disruption and trade shortages, it was still delivered on time. |
Project: Anderson LloydEntrantGaze Commercial Project PartnersGaze Commercial (Architect/Designer), Gaze Commercial Limited (Construction Company/Project Manager), Hadley Robinson (Engineer) Owned ByAnderson Lloyd
This commercial fit-out saw the development of a fit for purpose, innovative law firm interior that delivered on physical, acoustic, cultural, social and wellness objectives. The use of reeded glass for operable walls allows light to flow through the space, with movement and activity seen but not heard, while the depth of glass texture provides a professional aesthetic appropriate for the client facing areas. It allows the space to seamlessly open and transform into a function zone able to accommodate over 100 staff and clients.
Collaboration was needed between designers, engineers, and contractors to enable feature ceilings to be built within a very tight ceiling space, with procurement proving tricky during the COVID build period. Coordination of mechanical ducts, seismic bracing and ceiling structure was critical in creating a clean aesthetic. |
Project: NZX EntrantBLACK Project PartnersBLACK (Construction Company), Norman Disney & Young (Engineer), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned ByNZX Limited
The NZX project was a 1,200m2 single floor office fit-out undertaken within one of Auckland’s premier office buildings in the CBD. The project comprised of highly detailed architectural finishes, which were complemented by technical services, audio visual, and lighting installations to meet the NZX’s operational demands. Materials were selected with longevity and sustainability in mind – ensuring the fitout will serve the exchange well into the future.
This office fitout is a celebration of NZX as the first market in the world to open - designed to harness the sun’s energy and bring it into the marketplace. For instance, the boardroom maximises views to both the north and the east. A central feature is the operable glass wall that opens to the reception. The flexible layout means the boardroom space can be used as one large space for listing events, social occasions, or education. With a glass enclosed media room as well as a large digital screen spanning five metres, the space has been constructed to provide NZX with a technologically seamless and interactive presentation space. |
Project: Silver Fern FarmsEntrantUnispace Project PartnersUnispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company) Owned BySilver Fern Farms
This new Silver Fern Farms workspace has been designed to complement the heritage architecture of the existing building, which is the old Dunedin Central Post Office (Category 2 listing). The Unispace team has brought life to the existing raw architecture and revitalised an existing piece of New Zealand history.
Thoughtful consideration was needed to achieve the design with minimal impact on the base build. This was demonstrated through the design of the meeting room, which features “jewellery-box-like” insertions that allowed the base build to be untouched.
A standout feature is the commercial-tasting kitchen, which creates an immersive farm-to-table experience and is a tangible representation of Silver Fern Farms’ purpose. |
Project: SquirrelEntrantUnispace Project PartnersUnispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company) Owned BySquirrel
This project saw a 1940’s mechanic’s workshop converted into a modern workplace for mortgage brokers and investment advisors. Significant structural and cosmetic changes were needed throughout the building to meet workplace regulations.
Transforming an 80-year-old building came with numerous challenges. These included inground tanks full of concrete, hidden layers of ashplant flooring, noise restrictions, limited site access, and watertightness issues. Despite a short build time and unforeseen obstacles, the project team retained a positive and collaborative approach.
To enhance the working environment and maximise space, a mezzanine was added, and internal glazing inserted – increasing the amount of natural light throughout the space.
Sustainability was important in this project. Notable features include double glazed windows, solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, and a new insulated roof that significantly reduces energy use. |
Project: Ōtorohanga District CouncilEntrantUnispace Project PartnersUnispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) Owned ByŌtorohanga District Council
This project saw the renovation of the Otorohanga District Council Building, which hadn’t seen any investment for over 30 years. Key activities consisted of base upgrades to future-proof the building, reconfiguring the interior to accommodate for long-term growth and fixing multiple ‘patchwork’ modifications.
Challenges included a modest budget, fast work programme, hidden ceilings and concrete walls and supply chain disruption. Despite these challenges, the project team delivered the build with zero variations to the design.
Sustainability was an important consideration, with the Council electing to refurbish the existing building, rather than demolish and rebuild, diverting significant waste from landfill. All of the existing electrical and HVAC were over 35 years old so replacing these has reduced emissions and given the building another 50 years of life. |