New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 92

facility and linking all floors. It’s a dominant feature
of the entry atrium, and its base overhangs the
reception area.
“The staircase is clad in a vertical wooden louvre
carapace, which references Asian design,” says
Drogemuller. “This created a design motif that
recurs throughout the innovation centre.”
The wooden slats on the staircase add another
layer of connectivity and transparency to the
design, highlighting the movement of staff as they
walk up and down the stairs.
The design encourages regular interaction in the
multiple group meeting spaces that are arranged

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around the staircase and atrium. With a 6m floorto-floor height, some of these spaces have been
located on mezzanine floors in the atrium.
For Simon Drogemuller, the success of the
design is in how it encourages new ways to work.
“Removing the barriers between offices and labs,
and having an abun dance of collaboration spaces
encourages staff to work together right across
organisational boundaries,” he says.

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Below:The lower level
accommodates training facilities,
as well as media rooms for press
releases and product launches.
Orbit Design Studio selected
materials and a colour palette to
provide a well-balanced interior
that won’t date.
Right:Natural materials, colours
and the use of patterns in
wall fabrics reflect Asia in a
contemporary and subtle way.
Story by Paul Taylor
Photography by Owen Raggett