| 97 T T Kim Newth Big wins for inspiring design studio Wonder took home two gold pins at the Best Design Awards: for their own Auckland studio, and for Mode Studio, a boutique fitness and wellbeing space on Ponsonby Road. DESIGN Wonder Group Buster Caldwell, director of The Wonder Group, hasn’t had much time to reflect on the studio’s success at last year’s Best Design Awards. Since that night in October, the full-service interior design studio has been moving at pace, focused on delivering projects that push boundaries. “All of our attention is on the work, and ensuring we create spaces with real impact,” he says. “We rarely get the chance to step back to take it all in, but it’s surreal to have these projects recognised when so much energy has gone into them.” Wonder took home two gold pins at the Best Design Awards: one for their own Auckland studio, and another for Mode Studio, a boutique fitness and wellbeing space on Ponsonby Road. Mode also won excellence at last year’s RED Awards. The team also picked up a silver for Halcyon HQ, a South Auckland workspace designed to support a growing creative agency. “In 2024, a lot of things clicked into place for us as a studio. We’re beginning to see the result of refining our process, strengthening our team, and staying focused on delivering work we’re proud of through creating spaces that uplift and inspire.” In today’s social-media-driven world, striking interiors have become a powerful tool for businesses. “You can see it reflected in these awards – there’s a huge focus on creating remarkable spaces that attract and engage an audience.” At Wonder, every project is approached as a collective effort. The studio operates with a philosophy that values both the overarching vision and the finest details, with every team member contributing to shaping spaces that are both highly considered and deeply immersive. This approach was key in delivering both gold-winning projects, ensuring that each space is as functional as it is visually striking. Mode Studio’s transformation from a raw concrete shell into an immersive, bathhouse-inspired training and recovery space is striking. The design balances intensity with restoration, guiding members through distinct material and spatial transitions. “When you walk in, you’re greeted by warmth, with timber and tiles in the light-filled reception space. Moving deeper, the energy shifts. “The training zone is raw concrete, low-lit, immersive. Then, at the far end of the spectrum, you have the sauna and ice baths – a full timber enclosure that feels completely removed from the outside world. The materials define the experience; left takes you to the depths, right to restoration.” Wonder’s own studio, meanwhile, reflects a different kind of philosophy. More than just a workspace, it is designed as a home base for creativity and collaboration. “We moved in last August, and it has been a dream. It came together in a truly collaborative way with every detail considered, nothing superfluous. “It’s the kind of space that both our team and clients never want to leave, and is exactly what we set out to create.” “You can see it reflected in these awards – there’s a huge focus on creating remarkable spaces that attract and engage an audience.” Builds that inspire tomorrow. Proudly supporting Wonder Group At CASA, we understand that every fit-out project is unique, and we're here to support our clients at every stage. Whether at the tender or conceptual stage of your project, we provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and objectives. 027 636 5686 hello@casaconstruct.co.nz www.casaconstruct.co.nz REFINED TIMBER SURFACES FORTE.CO.NZ
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