Description:

The new head office for Port Otago in Port Chalmers is a space designed to bring people together. The three-level office building sits alongside a heritage-classified maritime museum, blending public and private spaces to support both port operations and community engagement.

Home to around 75 office staff and 135 operational staff across three shifts, the building shares an entry with the museum, emphasising the celebration of port and maritime history. Designed as a welcoming hub, it fosters collaboration between corporate and operational teams while also inviting the public to engage with the ports story.

The design draws inspiration from Otago's landscape, the Port’s own art collection and a contemporary industrial aesthetic. Materials and textures reflect both the port’s operations and surroundings.

Instead of concealing its framework, the design embraces exposed concrete stairwells, open ceilings, and visible services. This unapologetic approach highlights the building’s inner workings, transforming them into deliberate, architectural features. Far from purely functional, the design transforms these rugged materials into a refined, intentional expression of both heritage and modernity.

Safety and flexibility were key considerations, with open sightlines, adaptable spaces and a mix of seating arrangements ensuring a practical yet refined environment. Elevated viewing areas give the public a unique glimpse into port activities, creating a dedicated precinct for cruise ship passengers and visitors. Meanwhile, the gatehouse reception provides a welcoming a safe space for visitors.

At the heart of the building is the staff hub – a vibrant space where teams can connect. An enclosed outdoor area offers a direct link to the landscape and port operations, ensuring that everyone feels connected.