FASCINATION STREET

Complementing Nuffield's cutting-edge street presence are a series of retail and office interiors of an equally edgy, forward-looking flavour. The interiors arm of Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects (WMZI) carried out substantial work throughout the site.

"The fit-outs we addressed were varied in nature, from Sony Computer Entertainment's (SCE) offices and adjacent Sony BMG offices in the Mercury building through to a retail facility, Birkenstock, on the ground floor and a restaurant, Olive, across the street," says WMZI's director Gareth Huston

For the SCE offices, Woodhams Interiors designed a pared-back space that lets singular elements take prominence. At the entrance a carpet in vibrant orange, Sony's signature colour, leads visitors right through the expansive area, with offices, boardroom and a pseudo alfresco space all accessed from this.

"The patio was a central element of the design, addressing the concept of an outdoor space within the confines of the building's interior," says Huston. "We designed a floating wooden floor that has the feel of springy, hollow external decking when crossing it and a canopy above in the same material. This projects out through the external facade of the building, creating an architectural nod to the idea of an outside balcony."

The company's other fit-outs were just as individual, with German shoe company Birkenstock's natural' ethos reflected in the store's finish materials. These included cork floors and built-in, multi-use stair elements finished in marmoleum, a natural linseed-based product.

"In terms of Olive, we accentuated the space's warehouse origins by leaving the saw-tooth roof line intact and exposing the concrete flooring," says the designer. "The client wanted a space that delivered two distinct atmospheres, one for lunch and one for the dinner crowd. We introduced a dais level to the restaurant to facilitate this."

For details, contact Woodhams Meikle Zhan Interiors, phone (09) 3775215. Email: garethh@wmzi.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas