Beca Wellington
The recently refurbished Aorangi House is now home to the Wellington office of Beca, a multidisciplinary engineering and consultancy firm.
Greatly valued by Beca, sustainability was a key driver in the fitout design. Simple, rational circulation around the core perimeter maximises natural light and ventilation. Furniture from Beca’s previous fitout was reupholstered and reused; existing workstations were also reused where possible. Materials with low VOC emissions and recyclable content were selected throughout, and floorings, wall linings, insulation and joinery are all Environmental Choice certified. Exposed thermal mass on all floors increases the fitout’s energy efficiency, with exposed services creating an industrial aesthetic appropriate to Beca’s engineering work.
The fitout was also designed to promote more collaborative, interactive work within the company. Innovative use of the lift space as part of the hub space at the centre of each floor creates a sense of openness and promotes interaction. On level 7, a communal staff floor offers a spacious, informal area complete with catering facilities and a stunning view over the city. Fitted with vibrant patterned furniture, this area provides an opportunity for the various divisions within Beca that are stacked vertically throughout the building to meet, work informally or socialise in a central location.
Primarily functional, smart and well-organised, Beca’s fitout also includes elements of liveliness that makes it an enjoyable place to work. A striking feature of the central reception area is a large wall of glossy black rectangular panels, backlit and offset, that represents an abstraction of Beca’s logo. A sleek white reception desk contrasts with vivid red furniture to create a space that is energetic and polished. Office floors are based on a generic layout, but differentiated by strong colour themes to give each floor a distinct identity.
Client: Beca Engineering
