New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/01C | Page 49

Previous pages:The head
office reception area makes the
most of the views, while timber
battening on the walls add a
natural emphasis appropriate to
the iconic riverbank setting.
Facing page:The use of plants
as screen dividers helps soften
the spaces and is another
reminder of the natural outdoor
surroundings. Low VOC surfaces
and materials feature throughout.
Below:The flexible workplace
has a wide variety of meeting,
break-out and desking spaces,
including semi-enclosed meeting
rooms.
quiet, tranquil, reflective, fluid and calm as well.”
The office space was designed to be seen as an
extension and reflection of the riverbank, and it is
from here that Jasmax looked for inspiration – from
layouts to colourways and even material selections.
“Westpac placed importance on the connection
to the river and being able to share the view with
all occupants and visitors. In response, the west
end of the floors were kept as open as possible to
create a vibrant zone for meeting and collaboration,”
says the architect.
The staff café and reception spaces on levels 3
and 4 are located near the central, social stair to
encourage interaction between floors. Workspaces,
collaborative spaces, a social zone and some quiet
spaces are all set near the windows, views and
natural light. Meeting rooms, utility spaces and the
lift lobby are towards the core of the floorplates.
Overall, space planning favours multi-use,
open-plan workspaces ideal for a flexible working
environment.
In terms of the look of the spaces, several key
aesthetic aspirations informed the design.
“The fluid nature of the Avon River is echoed in
a generous use of undulating timber battens on
wall surfaces. These warm, natural elements link,
merge and connect spaces – enhancing the sense
of movement and flexibility in the offices. In fact,
there’s a liberal use of rich timber throughout.”
Colour plays an important, energising role in
the office interiors. Multi-coloured pops of colour
help define zones and add vibrancy; brightening,
humanising and enhancing the spaces.
Again drawing on the riverbank setting, the fit-out
also celebrates contrasting textures.
“Texture and materiality add depth and interest
to the spaces and create visual drama with a playful
contrast between light and dark, organic and struc-
tured, and natural and man-made,” says Moyes.
The head office fit-out employs understated sig-
nage and graphics, with a generous use of plants
as screening elements – contributing to the natural
feel and bringing the outside environment inside.
“Of course, sustainability is also very much the
Westpac message and we are extremely proud of
the 5 Star Green Star rating,” says Rachel Winder.
Green features include two artesian wells 50m
deep to regulate heating and cooling, and solar cells
on the roof to generate electricity for the building.
Another element is the absence of light switches,
which are replaced by movement sensors.
“Rubber flooring is made of recycled car tyres and
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