Designed by Blur The Lines, Comvita’s Paengaroa Workplace was announced as the winner of the Good Design Award – Best in Class 2024 in the Architectural Interior Design category.
Comvita was established in the 1970s with its head office, in the small settlement of Paengaroa, once a local pub and shop. The challenge was to transform a dated building while paying homage to the history of the business and the aesthetic of the building.
Comvita staff had worked remotely during the pandemic which, as many businesses have experienced, caused a shift in the culture of the company. The design needed to reflect the essence of the global company as it is today as well as redefine the traditional notion of an office space. It was also important for the staff to find inspiration in a strong connection to nature and the headquarters’ natural surroundings.
Danielle Barclay, Founder and Creative Director of Blur The Lines, explains that “the budget was very tight and the buildings were disjointed, lacking any significant architectural features”. Two completely different buildings – the pub and the shop – were separated by an outdoor space and needed to be unified architecturally.
Danielle says the solution was based around taking a hospitality design approach, rather than focussing solely on the workplace environment. The introduction of various materials and a carefully-curated colour palette of cool greens and warm golden tones created dramatic spaces that were interesting and engaging for the nature-loving staff.
“The bold use of colour is something I love to bring to my projects,” Danielle says. “As well as the flip on traditional office design taking inspiration from hospitality and changing the way people work”.
The colour scheme is an integral part of the design solution with a commitment to the bold use of strong warm honey tones juxtaposed beautifully with the cooler shades of green foliage. Timber, terrazzo and terracotta add layers of texture and contrast for an amazing visual effect.
“On arrival, you are greeted with a warm wall of lit honey in lab vessels which creates an impactful focal point,” says Danielle. “In front is a 10-metre green upholstered bench seat with tables for perching with your laptop”.
She goes on to explain that the team worked with the existing concrete flooring and added a sage green stain to create drama and unify the spaces. The honey and green-tone walls are the perfect finishing touch.
Playful terrazzo in greens and honey drops is featured in the bathrooms and on the splashbacks while the large lunchroom space sees two-tone green cabinetry, with matching benchtop and seating zones, reflecting the nature-toned scheme. Throughout this project, natural greenery played a significant role with a large indoor tree as well as numerous potted plants adding an authentic connection to nature.
The end result sees the creation of flexible co-working zones with a central hospitality hub that foster connection and collaboration. A careful curation of memorabilia and artwork brings balance to the space and creates a cohesive interior environment. New photography from Comvita’s regenerated forest was commissioned to provide a contemporary edge. This further elicits an emotional response from workers and visitors alike, as well as a sense of pride in their workplace.
“A Whakatūwheratanga (opening and dawn blessing) was held to celebrate the opening of the spaces named Te Maru (The Shelter) and Tānga Manawa (the Place My Heart Rests), led by Tapuika, the local Māori iwi,” adds Danielle. “This ceremony signified a new beginning for the buildings”.
She says that, from the moment the new interior was opened to staff, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Comvita reports a significant increase in number of staff working from the office and a broader use of the space across the different departments.
Danielle’s final word is on the element or space within the project that was her personal favourite: “the large open-plan kitchen space was the biggest transformation and has proven to be a favourite space for the staff,” she says.
For more information visit https://www.weblurthelines.com/
