New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/01C | Page 44

Project
Westpac New Zealand head office
fit-out, the Westpac Building
Location:
Christchurch
Architect:
Jasmax
FLOWING AESTHETIC
The contemporary fit-out for Westpac’s new head office within Christchurch CBD’s
buzzing The Terrace precinct takes its design cues from the mighty Avon River
The Terrace in Christchurch’s CBD combines
excellent mixed-used urban design with an iconic
location. A vibrant neighbourhood overlooking
the mighty Avon, the mixed-use development
comprises hospitality, retail and office space all
intersected and activated by character laneways.
The modern, new Westpac head office – on three
levels of the five-storey Westpac Building – is a
cornerstone component of this.
The Terrace was masterplanned by Jasmax
and NH architects, from Melbourne. The Westpac
Building was designed by Jasmax, who also under-
took the Westpac head office fit-out.
Westpac New Zealand’s head of property ser-
vices, Rachel Winder, says the Westpac Building,
including the head office and ground-level branch,
is a much anticipated homecoming for those who
suddenly moved out after the earthquakes in 2011.
“Situated in what we feel is an ideal position –
adjacent to and overlooking the river – the branch
and office offers our staff and customers the best of
a natural setting together with the business activity
that surrounds The Terrace. It is very important to
us to be an anchor in the CBD to support our com-
munities and be part of the rebuild of Canterbury.”
And it’s not just the setting that Westpac is proud
of. The Westpac Building stands extremely safe
search | save | share at
with rolling foundations and, in keeping with the
company’s focus on people and sustainability, the
building has attracted a 5 Star Green Star rating.
Given its amazing location and surrounding
natural environment, it’s not surprising the Westpac
fit-out provides a direct connection with nature,
says Nick Moyes, principal architect on the project.
“From the west of the building, occupants can
work amongst the treetops lining the banks of the
Avon River. Other prominent views include the
Bridge of Remembrance and Cashel Mall, as well
as the buzzing laneways and piazza within The
Terrace. Given this environment – where the CBD
connects with the banks of the Avon – we looked to
the site and its surrounds as a starting point for the
interior look and feel for the Westpac fit-out.
“As the connecting element between the river
and the city, the riverbank environment has many
characteristics, textures, patterns and forms to draw
on for inspiration,” says Moyes. “Plus, we see dis-
tinct correlations with the riverbank and the spaces
needed for a modern, flexible way of working.
“Like a contemporary workplace, the riverbank
is a place where people meet, socialise and col-
laborate and so it can be busy, lively, and colourful.
However, it can also be where people retreat to
reflect, think, dwell, read and focus – and so can be
Below:The upper levels of the
west facade of the new Westpac
Building feature vertical blades,
sculpted to connect with the
fluidity of the River Avon.