A contemporary New Zealand interior was the brief for the refurbishment of the Holiday Inn at Auckland Airport.

Designworks took a modern interpretation of the brief, using elements of Pacifika and local flora and fauna in the refit, along with lots of natural timber, woven fibres and brickwork. A key structural change was to take out some walls in the bar and lounge area transforming it from a dingy space to one flooded by light. Also, the seating in the corridor was opened up to the pool area with sliding doors for some quintessential Kiwi indoor/outdoor flow.

ECC supplied much of the lighting for the project. The Fora range from Bover was an ideal choice with its wicker shade providing the perfect combination of sophistication and casualness. In addition, its suitability for both indoor and outdoor environments made it the perfect choice for spaces that crossed those boundaries. The Amphora floor lamp from Bover was also used for the same reasons. The rattan-look was rounded out with the Nama pendant from AY Illuminate in the bar area.

The looping yellow cord lights over the bar were custom-made from products sourced by ECC, and add a pop of colour to this area.

LED spotlights are spread throughout the public spaces and an LED strip is used to backlight the reception, bar and shelving. Bulkhead lights line the corridors.

Photographer: Katrina Rees