Generator’s Britomart site provides flexible coworking space in a spectacular location overlooking Auckland’s CBD and harbour.

Coworking and shared space operator Generator now runs four sites in Auckland’s CBD, with 11 Britomart Place having 3000 square metres over three floors of premium office. Part repurposed and part new – the location offers excellent access for train, bus and ferry commuting, bringing businesses and teams together from across Auckland.

With the growth of activity-based working, and small- to medium-sized companies’ need for flexibility, coworking spaces are on the rise, and some businesses prefer them over long-term, fixed leases. The business communities that coworking brings together can offer the energy, networking and inspiration that existing teams and solopreneurs are looking for.

Business owners can plug into a professional environment and scale flexibly and easily. Established companies can occupy private areas yet still tap into a wide variety of settings and facilities, such as shared working areas, meeting rooms, board rooms, quiet rooms, event spaces, and a bar and café. This is the office environment designed for the laptop, Wi-Fi technology and Cloud servers, and the agile and flexible work style that goes with it. The interior fitout would need to symbolise and stimulate this energy.

Parts of the previous fit-out at the Britomart site suited the new use, so as much as practicable, the architects have retained and adapted these elements. Augmented and expanded, the new interior features a rich palette of materials including a solid oak herringbone floor from VidaSpace, deep blue carpet tiles, bespoke leather and timber wall panels, bronze tinted mirrors, acoustic ceilings, hanging gardens, and an eclectic mix of soft fit-out items.

CPRW used their VRTUE system for virtual reality modelling during the design process to assist and inform both the planning and aesthetic decision making. The virtual tours also allowed prospective tenants to get a sense of the new space and Generator to sign up contracts well before opening.

Location /  Auckland, New Zealand
People Involved / CPRW Fisher
Photography / Sam Hartnett
Product Used /  HW076 Prime European Oak Herringbone Gold Leaf – Special Order