About

BNZ Place.

Redefining the Wellington waterfront

Title:: BNZ Place
Architect:: Jasmax
Category:: Commercial/; Banks
Completed:: 2024
Client:: Newcrest LP
Photographers:: Thomas Seear-Budd
Jasmax

A landmark development

BNZ Place is the latest world-class development for long-time Jasmax client Newcrest LP. The landmark building responds to demand for seismically resilient A‑grade office space in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Maximising the development potential of a prominent central city block overlooking the harbour, the sculptural, streamlined 12-storey design provides panoramic views alongside features including base isolation that makes it one of the safest and desirable buildings in the city. The A‑Grade development is also targeting a 5 Green Star As-Built rating, meeting market expectations for premium, sustainable, future-proofed development and delivers meticulously executed civic architecture to the capital.

Anchor tenant BNZ benefits from highly efficient and flexible floorplates – a result of the elegant diagrid structure which significantly reduces the need for internal columns. The design of the 6m-high entry lobby, café and stunning rooftop courtyard was developed in partnership with BNZ and Newcrest LP. The highly crafted interior architecture of the public spaces includes artisan timber, brass and marble finishes throughout.

An investment in the future

Located on ‘one of the windiest sites in one of the windiest cities’, the tower’s sleek form is able to disperse and reduce the impact of downdraft effects – a result of rigorous wind-tunnel testing of the design. A striking canopy wraps the entire perimeter supported on repeating concrete fins to further protect pedestrians. Even the building’s Ballance Street entry has been located to avoid frontages with higher wind exposure.

BNZ Place is one of the most seismically advanced developments in Aotearoa New Zealand. The structure is base-isolated from the ground to avoid significant structural damage resulting from a 1 in 500-year earthquake. The building is raised on a plinth to minimise climate change related flood risks. With the diagrid structure supported on piles which extend 60m below ground, the design targets an NBS rating in excess of 180%, significantly exceeding building code requirements for seismic strength.

Project Gallery

"The project will bring all our people together under one roof and firmly cement our roots in the capital. This is a fantastic building in the heart of the city which will be a great place to work for our Wellington people and for our customers to visit."

— Russell Jones, BNZ Executive General Manager - Technology and Operations

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Jasmax

Architects

Wellington

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Jasmax. Jasmax is an architecture and design practice with studios across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. For over 60 years, we have been at the forefront of Indigenous and sustainable design in the Asia-Pacific region. We blend architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban design to deliver complex projects across all sectors, from city-shaping infrastructure to local community spaces. Our clients include government agencies and private developers who consistently recognise the significant economic, social and environmental value our work brings. The natural environment is an essential source of wellbeing and identity. We are committed to achieving net zero emissions across all projects by 2030 and have set ambitious carbon reduction targets to support this goal. Our cultural design processes set us apart, ensuring our work reflects and respects the diverse cultures of the communities we serve. We are Jasmax. Ko Jasmax mātou.