Description:

For the new Level One office fit-out at 110 Customs Street West, we were asked by the client to create an interior that conveyed a Kensington/Chelsea aesthetic. The offices needed to exude an atmosphere of class and sophistication, and be an aspirational workplace that would be the jewel in the client’s portfolio of commercial spaces.

In particular, the expectation was that visitors to the building should experience an exceptional “Wow” moment when exiting the lifts and entering the offices. The client wanted the design to place a strong emphasis on quality materiality and sophisticated detailing.

The building is an awkward segment shape but it has amazing views over the Auckland Viaduct area.

We drew inspiration for the design and detailing of the offices from an Auckland architectural icon – the Auckland Harbour Bridge. All forms, curves and junctions in the office fit-out have been rationalised through this filter, and the ways that the different materials and curves intersect has created a range of interesting details that highlight and showcase the space.

We decided to use a selection of classic and sophisticated materials that might be found in some of the top office spaces in London’s Kensington or Chelsea. Shinnoki Smoked Walnut panelling and reeded glass are reminiscent of a classic London boardroom, while Terrazzo floors are suggestive of top London banks.

Textured plaster gives movement and expression to the curved walls, which are bathed by strips of LED lighting. Brass inlays in various sections of the floor add form and intersection details at the transitions of materiality.

The offices have been given a colour palette that feels nostalgic and grounded, and marble benches elevate the classic material response.

Ceiling and flooring details connect with the curves in the walls in the lobby space, and bulkheads overhead are mirrored in a brass trim running throughout the poured-in-situ terrazzo floor.
We have created a central space with seating in the lobby, called the ‘library’, and clad the flanking walls with floor-to-ceiling Smoked Walnut panelling. This is connected through brass inlays in the floor and mirrored recessed lighting tracks above. Custom shelving units nestle into curved reveals.