2024 Interior Awards, Workplace over 1000sqm Award winner

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The project centrepiece is the inter-connecting CLT stair, with glulam trusses taking the form of a taurapa — the stern of a waka. The truss is adorned with a unique aukaha pattern, co-created for the project.

The project centrepiece is the inter-connecting CLT stair, with glulam trusses taking the form of a taurapa — the stern of a waka. The truss is adorned with a unique aukaha pattern, co-created for the project. Image: Hamish Melville

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Materiality was inspired by the volcanic history of Tāmaki Makaurau, with colours and forms replicating magma, lava, basalt, natural timber and obscure glass mimicking the obsidian formed when lava cools.

Materiality was inspired by the volcanic history of Tāmaki Makaurau, with colours and forms replicating magma, lava, basalt, natural timber and obscure glass mimicking the obsidian formed when lava cools. Image: Hamish Melville

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Dark colours on the workspace ceilings create a safe space to escape from distractions, catering to those with diverse needs.

Dark colours on the workspace ceilings create a safe space to escape from distractions, catering to those with diverse needs. Image: Hamish Melville

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Ancient super gardens are referenced with heavily planted areas, providing spaces for respite within the workplace.

Ancient super gardens are referenced with heavily planted areas, providing spaces for respite within the workplace. Image: Hamish Melville

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A bespoke version of the niho taniwha pattern was co-created and can be found on the underbelly of the feature stair.

A bespoke version of the niho taniwha pattern was co-created and can be found on the underbelly of the feature stair. Image: Hamish Melville

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Congratulations to this year’s Workplace over 1000sqm Award winner — Te Tihi Aurecon by Warren and Mahoney.

The jury’s comment:

“Representing the definition of co-design, this workplace creatively and unpretentiously weaves local kaupapa into the very fabric of the space, connecting its inhabitants with both the community and whenua. In so doing, it provides considered, diverse and engaging working environments, with an inspiring focus on wellbeing and amenity, including dedicated mauri, wairua, hauora and whanau spaces. A central staircase forming a taurapa, adorned with aukaha pattern, is a visual landmark within the interior landscape. The stair is a striking piece of design, that talks of the coming together of people, a place where kōrero and ideas might be exchanged. Concepts of tikanga coupled with the narratives of the manawhenua, woven so thoughtfully throughout the space, make this a truly exceptional co-creation project.”

A bespoke version of the niho taniwha pattern was co-created and can be found on the underbelly of the feature stair. Image:  Hamish Melville

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: Auckland

Client: Aurecon Auckland

Building area (m2): 3,200m2

Project brief: Our client sought a workplace that would deliver on their purpose, ‘Bringing Ideas to Life’, to imagine and co-create a better future for people and the planet. Aurecon engages and collaborates with iwi and Māori to ensure their work contributes to an Aotearoa that is diverse and recognises cultural identity. The project creates an environment where Te Ao Māori is valued, visible and embedded. Our initiation workshops began alongside Aurecon’s He Rautaki Māori rōpū, to ensure the project would connect with people and place. This evolved into a collaboration with local iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to discover co-design opportunities and to personify Aurecon and co-create the project’s narrative.

Credits:

  • Project principal – Andrew Tu’inukuafe
  • Interior designer – Arron O’Hagan
  • Cultural Design Lead – Whare Timu
  • Interior Designer – Gier Jong
  • Technician – Sunny Shin
  • Graphics and wayfinding – Sam Harris

“Materiality was inspired by the landscape of and volcanic activity below Tāmaki Makaurau, with colours and forms replicating magma, lava, basalt, natural timber and obscure glass mimicking the obsidian formed when lava cools. Ancient super gardens are referenced with heavily planted areas, providing spaces for respite within the workplace. Dark colours on the workspace ceilings create a safe space to escape from distractions, catering to those with diverse needs. A bespoke version of the niho taniwha pattern was co-created and can be found on the underbelly of the feature stair, on feature wall finishes and incorporated into the bi-lingual wayfinding signage and the glass manifestation.” - WAM design team.

wam.studio

Watch the finalist presentation here:


With thanks to our Interior Awards 2024 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.

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