National Category Winner: Commercial Fit Out Project: ArupEntrantUnispace Project PartnersArup (Engineer), Unispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) Owned ByArup
With a goal to be the most sustainable workplace in Aotearoa New Zealand, Unispace's fit out for the Arup offices in Auckland ambitiously targeted the Living Building Challenge, a globally recognised certification from the International Living Futures Institute for sustainable and regenerative buildings. To achieve this certification the build must meet a set of requirements designed to encourage sustainable and regenerative building practices.
Inclusivity, well-being, and sustainability are at the heart of this workplace. This was displayed through the project's dedication to environmental integrity, which saw 99% of waste diverted from landfills and a conscience choice to opt for locally sourced and non-toxic materials.
The collaboration with cultural advisors fostered a design that resonates with Te Ao Maori, enhancing the connection to place and community. With a comprehensive approach to health, safety, and sustainability, this fit out stands as a beacon of holistic design and construction excellence. |
Project: Precinct WorkplaceEntrantBLACK Project PartnersBLACK (Construction Company), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned ByPrecinct Properties
The Precinct Workplace fit out in Auckland transformed the existing office space into a modern, eco-conscious environment. Noteworthy features include polished bronze stainless-steel panelling, terracotta tiling, and broadloom carpet.
The fit out surpassed its sustainability goals, setting a benchmark for future projects. With a commitment to achieving a 5-Star Green Star Rating, every aspect of the build, from material selection to waste management, was scrutinised and optimised for environmental impact. Through innovative design and meticulous execution, the Precinct Workplace is a testament to BLACK's ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver a cutting-edge, sustainable workplace. |
Project: AON Lobby RefurbishmentEntrantSavory Construction Project PartnersRDW (Project Manager), Savory Construction (Construction Company) Owned ByPrecinct Properties
Exemplifying the coordination required to build in a bustling urban setting, the AON Lobby Refurbishment project successfully navigated the complexities of keeping hundreds of office workers and adjacent businesses happy, despite the challenges of working within a live environment.
Through meticulous planning and innovative safety measures, this project transformed the lobby into a vibrant communal hub. Alongside the demolition and repurposing of a grand staircase, the transformation included elegant repurposing of materials and the addition of a stylish café, enhancing the building's communal appeal. The collaboration tools employed were crucial in meeting the project's tight schedule, ensuring the lobby's transformation was completed efficiently, safely, and without disrupting the daily routines of building occupants. |
Project: Whakakāinga Aurecon Office Fitout EntrantSavory Construction Project PartnersAurecon (Engineer), Barnes Beagley Doherr (Quantity Surveyor), TSA Managements (Project Manager), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned ByAurecon
The Whakakainga Aurecon Office fit out is marked by its commitment to sustainability, intricate design elements, and the incorporation of Maori cultural values into its very fabric. The project aimed to achieve carbon neutrality from day one of the operation.
From the outset, the involvement of Maori cultural consultants and local iwi Ngati Whatua was instrumental in ensuring that the office fit out not only resonated with Aurecon's business requirements but also paid homage to local heritage and traditions. This collaboration was evident in the extensive use of pine and macrocarpa timbers, alongside the incorporation of bespoke elements like the timber staircase, which became a focal point of the design, adding warmth and cultural significance to the office space. |
Project: EY Office FitoutEntrantBLACK Project PartnersBLACK (Construction Company), Tāmaki Makaurau Office Architecture (Architect/Designer) In the heart of Wellington city, the EY office fit out stands as a testament to cultural reverence and modern design. Despite the hurdles of an active site and COVID-19 related constraints, BLACK delivered the project in two phases with exceptional precision.
The office, a co-creation with Tahi, EY's in-house Maori firm, honours Mana Whenua and the local heritage through zones named after natural resources, blending EY’s global ethos with indigenous values. The space promotes a dynamic workplace, featuring open and collaborative areas, focus rooms, and a reception, anchored with state-of-the-art facilities, including a living wall, welfare room and cybersecurity hub. This project sets a new standard for sustainable and culturally integrated commercial environments. |
Project: FaradaysEntrantFSL Construction & Interiors Project PartnersCheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), FSL Construction & Interiors (Construction Company) Owned ByFaradays
A popular bar and department store in Parnell, Faradays is a curated space drawing on inspiration from sculptor duo, Christo, and Jeanne-Claude. The project is a masterclass in craftsmanship and resourcefulness, with natural products sourced from across the globe. All of the floor furniture was hand-made with selected natural materials such as river boulders, railway sleepers and natural stone.
Software-assisted design and prototyping, alongside meticulous planning for the installation of heavy stone slabs, were key to respecting the heritage building's integrity. The history of the building's raw materials—brick and timber—complemented the tactility and drape of the textiles, creating a sense of wisdom and depth within the environment. |
Project: Chapman Tripp Wellington OfficeEntrantAlaska Construction+Interiors Project PartnersAlaska Construction+Interiors Wellington Limited (Construction Company), Egmont Dixon (Project Manager), Studio Pacific Architecture (Architect/Designer) The Chapman Tripp Wellington Office fit out by Alaska Construction + Interiors is a seamless fusion of modernity and tradition. Embracing challenges, the team rose to tight timelines, remote design work, and proactive procurement strategies to create a fit out that harmonises with the building's existing architecture.
Prioritising integration and communal well-being, a variety of working and collaboration areas were required, with staff amenity spaces being especially important in supporting wellbeing within the business. The fit out provides a flexible yet functional workspace that echoes the firm's values and meets their current and future needs. |
Project: HWREntrantUnispace Project PartnersUnispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) Owned ByHWR Property Ltd
Following HW Richardson Group’s (HWR) relocation to a nine-level tower, Unispace was engaged to design and deliver several floors within the building. The fit out is also part of a broader rejuvenation effort in Invercargill, with the project's successful completion ahead of the operational deadline, marking a new chapter for the city's central business district. More than 30% of the subcontractors were local, further fostering significant growth opportunities within the region.
The offices are a physical manifestation of the company's philosophy, with design elements that pay homage to its industrial heritage. The integration of strategic drivers such as family legacy and history into the fit-out has created a space that fosters knowledge-sharing and a sense of home for staff. The execution of the project, amidst the base build delays and logistical challenges, further demonstrates the team’s adaptive project management and commitment to supporting local businesses. |
Project: ARC CentralEntrantJosephine Design Project PartnersJosephine Design (Architect/Designer), Love and Co. (Project Manager) Owned By501 Karangahape Road Limited
Animal Referral Centre (ARC) Central in Auckland successfully balances aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. The build had a strong focus on sustainability with some materials repurposed from an adjacent demolition, including LED lights, air conditioning ducts and grills, ceiling tiles, door hardware and a commercial kitchen. By doing this a significant quantity of material was diverted from landfills.
This project overcame the complexities of a veterinary environment, incorporating durable, cleanable surfaces that are compatible with advanced medical equipment. The design caters to the comfort of both animals and their owners, whilst navigating the technicalities of the existing structure. The careful selection of subcontractors who also maintain the facilities ensures a consistent understanding and longevity of the build, echoing Josephine Design's commitment to quality and sustainability. |
Project: DentonsEntrantUnispace Project PartnersUnispace (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) Owned ByDentons
Upon relocating to their new Bowen Street building in Wellington, Denton’s aimed for a fit out that would unite staff on one open floorplan. Their vision was to create an environment in line with modern and flexible ways of working, fostering collaboration between both staff and clients.
Completed ahead of schedule, this project is a testament to strategic planning and design excellence from Unispace. This new space redefines ‘traditional law office’ design, fostering an open and inclusive work environment. The result is a sophisticated, timeless office that encapsulates Dentons' commitment to quality, innovation, and client experience.
The project navigated supply chain challenges and base build delays without compromising the move-in date. Key to the project was the open-plan work floor in which partners transitioned from individual offices, challenging the status quo. Sustainability was prioritised alongside state-of-the-art seismic technology and air-conditioning. |
Project: Williams Corporation HeadquartersEntrantWilliams Corporation Project PartnersA1 Group (Construction Company), TM Consultants (Engineer), Williams Corporation (Architect/Designer/Project Manager) Owned ByWilliams Corporation
The Williams Corporation Headquarters project in Christchurch emphasises the importance of sustainable and people-centric design in modern workspaces. The standout feature of the project is its biophilic design, which integrates natural elements and materials to enhance cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being.
A seven-metre-long moss wall and natural light create a connection between the workspace and the natural environment. The Williams Corporation Headquarters is a testament to how thoughtful design and strategic project management can create a functional and inspiring workspace. |
Project: Wellington AOG Accommodation ProjectEntrantCatalyst Group Project PartnersAquaheat New Zealand Limited (Engineer), Beca (Engineer), BlackYARD Engineering Limited (Engineer), Catalyst Consulting (Architect/Designer/Construction Company), Cognition (Engineer), Marshall Day Acoustics (Engineer), Michael Stretton (Engineer) The Wellington AOG Accommodation Project, spearheaded by Catalyst Group, illustrates an innovative approach to integrating sustainability within a commercial fit out, underpinned by a commitment to Green Star certification. Offering a workspace that meets contemporary needs, the project also aimed for a 5-star Green Star rating, with efforts surpassing expectations, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship. Sustainable materials and practices were prioritised, from indigenous New Zealand rimu veneer to the reuse of existing furniture, underscoring a dedication to a flourishing environment for all generations. |