MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Workplace & Client Facility
1500m2
A Custance Athfield Architects Collaboration
Full Interior Design Services & Project Management
Photography by Jason Mann
MinterEllisonRuddWatts selected the new BNZ building as its future premises in Wellington.
Situated at One Whitmore Street, in the heart of Wellington's waterfront, the 15-storey BNZ building spans an entire city block. It is one of New Zealand’s most seismically advanced developments and is designed to achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating for sustainability—both key factors in the firm’s decision to relocate.
The brief called for a contemporary yet timeless design offering premium quality with depth underpinning a warm and welcoming professional environment reflecting Minter Ellison people and the community.
A philosophy of sustainability was an imperative; having regard to the lasting impact made by the design, fitout and ongoing occupation of the building.
The design needed to provide versatile, flexible, and collaborative working environments to meet the needs of Minter Ellison staff and clients now, and into the future. This included a democratic approach to collaboration for staff and a fully mobile working environment, with a “lift and go” philosophy.
High levels of acoustic performance were required throughout, providing private and confidential client meeting spaces and a place to host staff and clients, maximising the unique position of the office.
Custance collaborated with Athfield Architecture to design a carefully crafted and curated workspace. Custance also provided project management and furniture procurement through ICAM Limited.
The triangular floorplate was divided into four functional zones. Reception and meeting spaces are arranged along the Balance Street face looking towards the city; the open plan work zone faces onto Whitmore Street with views to the harbour and Tinakori hills. In the nose of the building, a working lounge links both spaces providing a place for coming together for work, socialising or relaxing. A central utility block houses the kitchen, print room and jump rooms.
A palette of natural materials rich in tone and texture is used throughout with colours subtly changing to connect with the land and city scapes experienced - taupes and tans of the city; blues of the harbour and greens of the hills.
Perforated aluminium wraps the utility block becoming an undulating translucent skin through the work zone. Set behind the undulating barrel forms area set of jump rooms. Sustainably sourced tawa, marble, leather and brass detailing add warmth and depth.
