New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/02C | Page 15

Facing page:The central grand
staircase and scissor stair offer
dramatic visual features and
are actually a consolidation of a
larger number of stairs originally
designed for the base build.
Above:There are a number of
formal and informal meeting
spaces on the top floor, this one
adjacent to the main boardroom
directly across the atrium.
Reception for visitors operates on the ground
floor within an interactive brand experience space.
Upon arrival to the level five external visitors area,
guests and visitors can access meeting rooms and
circulate freely within this space.
The atrium edge, stairs and link bridges have
balustrades in lieu of full height glazing. To reduce
safety concerns, solid balustrades were used for
the stairs at heights above the minimum NZBC
code requirement. Also in the name of safety, the
balustrades have angled surfaces to avoid objects
being placed on them.
The base building is Green Star rated and
Mercury's fit-out is also aligned to these principles.
This was achieved by sourcing sustainable mate-
rials at every turn – timber cladding and flooring
feature throughout, as do recyclable woven vinyl
flooring and carpets, and reconstituted wood fibre
ceiling battens. Benchtop drinking water and water
heating units, along with sensor-driven, energy effi-
cient lighting were also specified in the design. The
scattered planting and gardens throughout naturally
enhance wellbeing while other healthy/green design
initiatives are charging stations for electric cars and
bikes and a high standard of end of trip facilities.
"The project is finished to the highest quality and
has resulted in a premium feel that exceeded all
expectations, despite an accelerated construction
programme," says Campbell.
"The space reflects the curated design, bespoke
detailing and craftsmanship that was encouraged
by a thorough sampling process with suppliers
and contractors, getting buy-in from all involved to
produce their very best work.
"Plus, the investment in a raised access floor
will allow for flexibility of technology or company
growth in the years to come."
A core deliverable for the project was to create
‘brand buzz’, both within the workplace and brand
showcase area and outwards to the surrounding
area of Newmarket.
"The building itself is striking and the visibility
into the dynamic atrium space gives a sense of
the activity and energy within. The ‘lightning bolt’
of dichroic film across the grandstand stairs and
boardroom pop-out is an affordable way to create a
bold statement, widely visible across Newmarket."
The space provides an exciting environment for
Mercury staff to work in as reflected in the energy
provider's post-move, staff satisfaction survey.
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