The brief for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council tenancy was in tandem with the base build. Specific requirements of the brief were on site carparks, associated dangerous goods storage, staff showers and changing rooms for field workers, meeting spaces, conference room, staff café and workspaces for a future capacity of 52 staff. The BOPRC had a specific interiors colourway and material palette being rolled out across other office sites. The material and colour palette refers to the sea, lakes, mountains and forests under the stewardship of the Regional Council authority.

DCA Architects set about using the defined palette as a base from which to personalise the Rotorua office with thoughtful material placement and detailing, while maintaining the corporate uniformity required.

The spatial program places reception, public meeting and conference spaces near the access core at the western end of the floor plate. The work spaces beyond this public front required authorised personnel access only. The open plan office enjoys both northern and southern light and views. Collaboration meeting spaces and quiet work booths provide options to undertake collaborative team work or private acoustic workspace for individuals.

Cedar and oak timber finishes are prevalent in the public areas to create warmth and tactility. Oak timber battens and custom integrated handles cover the doors to meeting and conference room. Acoustic baffle ceilings and wall linings add to the tactility while meeting functional sound and noise requirements.

The carpet flooring design in the main office space was created in collaboration with the supplier and changes in texture and colourways from one side to the other. The placement of the staff café allows for the space to fully open into the work area for functions and also connects the kitchen to the conference room to service large group meetings.

Photography: Simon Devitt.