When a start-up New Zealand company takes ownership of the local arm of a global firm, it makes sense to sweep away the look associated with past work practices. An egalitarian, open-plan approach offers improved performance in line with the aspiration to become a world-class company.
This was the scenario when Jasmax principal Tim Hooson was asked to reinvent an expansive first-floor office space for New Zealand company Z Energy. Together with taking the reins from the original owner, Z also took over the tenancy for its own head office.
Gail Calder, asset manager for Z Energy, says the space did not reflect the new company culture.
"The existing offices hindered the way we needed to work together in the future. We wanted our design to provide an environment that felt energised and was connected visually with an open contiguous space that enabled us to work more organically together," says Calder. "The environment is now a visual catalyst for our values coming to life. It shows at a glance our company ethos to be bold, straight up, share everything, have the passion and back our people."
The current head office location was assessed by Dow Property Group for its viability for the fresh environment required. This feasibility study factored in critical changes to the base build with a wider, more inviting entry at ground level, improved, softer light via new windows and changes to the skylights, and an upgrade of the air conditioning system.
The Building Intelligence Group came on board as project managers for the hard and soft fit-outs.