Description:

L36 Commercial Bay Suites are the next evolution of the workplace – small footprints, shared amenities, and collegiate common spaces. They offer the market a slice of premium workspace which would otherwise be unfeasible for a small business to achieve independently.

In partnership with Precinct Properties, we developed this new concept for their development team to roll out into all their premium grade properties. The brief was to create a single floor of small tenancies (no larger than 250m2) each with their own in-built amenities and meeting rooms, underpinned by a quality and aspiration that befits the development. The suites were to be of a consistent quality with the added flexibility for the client to tailor as they see fit.

This is an innovative first for Precinct in a growing portfolio to bring different scales of workplace and types of tenants to premium grade buildings. A distributed model of co-working product and meeting suites, it enables smaller and more diverse occupiers to come into the development portfolio. It also uses commercial yield that might otherwise be challenging to lease. Essentially this is five tenancies on one floor, sharing common area with a boardroom and lounge for all to book and use. Tenants have access to book the Generator event spaces on L1, which means these smaller spaces are likely to live longer, as growth can be accommodated in the facilities in the development. Shared, bookable spaces equate to less build and costs incurred by the individual occupiers. The modularity and longevity of the fittings and fixtures within the tenancies lean towards long-term usage, as exemplified by the IMO kitchens, locally made in steel, they are a robust kit of parts, easily replaced in components rather than a full overhaul at the end of a lease.

We wanted to create a unique experience of Aotearoa. Given the elevation and positioning of the suites in Commercial Bay, the original reference point for the design was native birds. Specifically, we referenced the Huia, an extinct species commonly found in the North Island. We were drawn to its subtle charisma and glossy black plumage with a green metallic sheen and long, white-tipped tail feathers. The use of gold metallics reference the distinctive bright orange wattles, the dark tones and patterning of the timber floor speaks of the feathers, while the use of silk wallpapers brings a hotel-style experience to the space. We specified New Zealand made and designed products where possible – IMO kitchens, Simon James pendants, Designer Rugs and Tim Webber furniture.

The idea of a connection to local design was a purposeful decision, to elevate our talent to the discerning tenants of the suites. Enduring design is always a key factor in workplace – using robust items that will stand up to the commercial setting and usage.