A win for BLACK to enjoy 

BLACK
CATEGORY
Resene Commercial Fit-Out Project Award 
ENTRANT
BLACK
PROJECT PARTNERS
BLACK (Construction Company), Cheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), Norman Disney & Young (Engineer)

Successes:

BLACK managing director Dylan Hutt was delighted when it was announced they had won the Resene Commercial Fit-Out Project Award at the 2023 NZ Commercial Project Awards. 

“Winning the award was an incredibly proud moment for the entire BLACK team. It was extremely meaningful to receive this award, given the project serves as our own
workplace in Tamaki Makaurau," Hutt says.

“From the very start of the project, we knew we wanted to prioritise our commitment to sustainability, and the well-being and safety of our employees. WELL sets the global standard for healthy workplace environment, and these standards were integrated into the project’s early design and delivery. The project was awarded with a WELL Health-Safety Rating — making it one of the first spaces to receive this certification in New Zealand. Wherever possible, we used sustainable, locally-sourced natural and raw materials, and showcased artworks from local talent,” Hutt says.

Challenges:

The building did not come without challenges, but the team worked hard to get the project across the line.

“The key challenges included meeting the strict requirements of the WELL Health Safety Rating, which involved the complex task of replacing the existing windows to improve the thermal efficiency of the space. We also had to strategically remove internal structures to reduce weight profiles to allow us to accommodate the architectural stone sculpted tables, weighing 600kg,” Hutt says.

Judges comments:

This commercial fit-out saw BLACK upgrade and relocate its head office in Auckland. The transformation of the space saw two residential apartments evolve into a single commercial area, creating a seamless connection between the inside and outside.

The new fit-out features clean and open spaces situated on either side of the exquisitely detailed and centrally located dark cedar core that houses all back-ofhouse functions and meeting rooms. To the north, an open boardroom and social space with deck overlook extraordinary harbour and Gulf views, while to the south, the open workspace enjoys wide city views. The replacement of existing windows on level 16 was the most complex aspect of the build. Cantilevered scaffold systems were carefully engineered to enable the glazing to be upgraded without disrupting the occupants below.