Trade Tested HQ

For decades, a small corner in the heart of Grafton housed a jeweller and various other businesses that came and went over the years. When the opportunity arose to reimagine this space, the initial vision was vastly different from what it eventually became, reflecting the rapid expansion of our client's business.

Our client's brief then became clear; to create a headquarters for their growing team that paid homage to the quintessential Kiwi garage or shed and the DIY ethos of New Zealand. The challenge lay in preserving the raw character of the building – exposed concrete block-work, weathered floor slabs bearing traces of previous tenants, and a roof showing signs of age – while transforming it into a comfortable and inspiring environment.

Key to our approach was a palette of industrial materials refined for a contemporary workplace setting. Stainless steel and plywood formed the backbone, complemented by warm timbers and organic textures like New Zealand woolen upholstery and locally sourced acoustic treatments. Zones were delineated with rich, vibrant colours, ensuring each area had its own identity while maintaining a cohesive and timeless whole.

Central to both floors of the space is a meticulously crafted oak timber wall surround, a nod to the craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with New Zealand's DIY culture. This element not only serves as a focal point but also ties together the industrial roots of the building with the warmth and texture essential for a welcoming workspace.

The design ethos struck a delicate balance between hard and soft elements, mirroring the desired work environment – functional yet flexible, comfortable yet devoid of traditional corporate stiffness. The result is a space that invites creativity and collaboration, where the echoes of its industrial past resonate harmoniously with the needs of a modern post-covid workforce.