44 | T T Karen Phelps Sustainability key in thoughtful fit-out The combination of spacious volumes, lack of suspended ceilings and exposed services led to an innovative approach. Catalyst Group REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Wellington AOG Accommodation project has transformed workspace for a government agency responsible for protecting New Zealand’s environment, creating what Catalyst Group senior designer Drew Blair describes as a meaningful and emotionally resonant workspace that aligned with the client’s purpose: He taiao tonui mo nga reanga katoa - a flourishing environment for every generation. The fit-out occupies the historic Stewart Dawson Corner building in Wellington’s CBD, a heritage landmark built in 1901 by London jeweller David Stewart Dawson. The site holds particular significance as the former location of Clay Point/Kai Upoko, a headland on Wellington Harbour’s foreshore during the 1840s. “This connection to the land and early Wellington history served as the inspiration for the design, detailing, materials, and colour selections,” explains Drew. “By referencing historical place names, employing traditional patterns, and highlighting architectural elements, we wove the Ministry’s purpose into the space and honoured Wellington’s heritage.” The design team faced unique structural challenges presented by the building’s heritage features. The combination of spacious volumes, lack of suspended ceilings and exposed services led to an innovative approach. “We constructed the fit-out as a set of self-contained structures: unique rooms within rooms with no obvious connections to the structure above,” says Drew. “This reinforces the concept that the floor is the land, the ceiling is the sky and the walls behind are Clay Point.” Environmental sustainability remained paramount throughout the project, with the client requiring a 5 Star Greenstar rating under the New Zealand Green Building Council’s Interiors Tool. Drew says the company prioritised environmentally conscious choices at every stage, incorporating indigenous New Zealand Prime Toitu Enviro Choice rimu veneers, eco-friendly wool upholstery, recyclable doors and New Zealand-designed-and-manufactured fabrics for furniture and wall panels. The client’s existing furniture was repurposed and reupholstered to fit the new colour scheme, minimising waste and adding unique character to the space. Construction utilised sustainable LVL supporting beams and timber framing – typically residential structural elements rarely used in commercial applications – all sourced from New Zealand. Drew says the curved walls express natural organic forms and reference the original headland topography. “The fit-out faces outwards towards the sunlight on Lambton Quay and Wellington harbour, with Clay Point at its back,” explains Drew. “The colours of the fit-out reflect the natural world of Wellington at the time of colonisation.” He says cultural authenticity was an important aspect of the project’s success. From the outset, Catalyst Group engaged a cultural advisor to ensure the design respectfully represented community heritage. “This cultural narrative was subtly woven throughout the built form, creating a space that resonates with the community it serves,” Drew says. The project management team established detailed programmes and feasibility budgets from the start, engaging multiple sub-trades for competitive pricing. During construction, the team provided invaluable input on buildability, particularly for bespoke details. The finished workspace maximises natural light by positioning workstations around the perimeter while centralising meeting and video conferencing rooms for easy access and sound buffering. Drew says technology and flexible spaces were pivotal, with each meeting and collaboration area tailored for seamless use. The project won a Silver Award in the Commercial Fit Out category at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2024, and reached the finals of the Best Design Awards 2024 in the Spatial Category. “At Catalyst Group we don’t just build structures; we create environments that foster community, collaboration and innovation.” Wellington’s Premier electrical contractors for commercial construction and maintenance. Ph: 04 381 4983 E: service@theelectricalcompany.co.nz www.theelectricalcompany.co.nz Design and Consultancy Compliance based works Preventative Maintenance Data and Networking Trenching OUR SERVICES:
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