Description:

Considered the supply partner of choice for New Zealand’s Civil Construction Industry, this kiwi-family-owned business were ready to transform their place of work to a modern and authentic environment that celebrates their remarkable history.
Relocating to a new workplace meant Cachet Group were given a clean slate to explore opportunities for personalization and create a space that elevates their business to the next generation of workplaces.

The previous office was outdated and disconnected therefore, the brief was practical; create a floorplate that accommodates & supports the leaders of the business and incorporates flexibility for future expansion.

The brand has a strong foothold in the civil and rural industry, and this naturally formed the foundation/ inspiration of the design concept. The design incorporates an essence of masculinity and industrialism, a genuine reflection of their business.

It honors the brand through the dark and natural finishes, exposed black ceiling, dark walnut timbers, and bronze metallic finishes. These were purposefully chosen to provide warmth and seamlessly connect the brand to the space.

Elements of curves were subtly referenced throughout the space; in the perforated boardroom ceiling, the light fixtures, and shadows they cast, in the artwork displayed around the office and in the furniture and joinery units. These cleverly mirror the curvature of a pipe, the heart and soul of the brand. These touches also inherently soften the overall design not only evoking comfort but also a sense of familiarity.

The focus of the project is the breakout café and the large boardroom. Connection and calmness were the key drivers here as this space was dedicated for the leaders of the business to meet, plan, and strategize. The connection to the breakout café was recognized as an opportunity to balance the space-use; allowing the business to flow between informal and formal settings, seamlessly.

In the workspace zone, it was important to allow for privacy and growth. So, bordering the floorplate are executive offices with simple ceiling grids to dial back to the commonality and familiarness of what once was. The centre of the workplace is home to a large worktable, fit to accommodate staff from other sites and new members into the office for flexible ways of working. Sitting above this is a complementing suspended joinery unit with integrated planting which gradients out into the exposed ceiling, all painted black to guide the eye down to the collaborative nook which hosts large windows overlooking the Auckland cityscape.

The completed workplace is a visualized oxymoron which celebrates this strong New Zealand brand in a subtle manner. It is truly authentic and effortlessly supports the business and leaders in their next evolution of growth.