Watercare’s previous office was outdated, with the team split over three floors – keeping them apart and siloed.

The brief for the new fitout was to create a flexible, modern and collaborative workspace that reflected the Watercare brand in its design and enabled new ways of working. Built around the technological ‘nerve centre’, this new hub enables staff to work together to anticipate, prevent and solve problems within Watercare’s Auckland-wide network.

Natural timbers, textural fabrics and tones reflect the Nerve Centre’s natural environment, while phone booths, meeting pods and a social hub facilitate agility and teamwork. The colour palette also reflects the Watercare brand. Reception is reinvigorated with new graphics, flooring, and furniture, making it feel modern and approachable.

​A fundamental part of the fitout, UFL supplied a mix of European and locally made furniture – to achieve an ideal balance of quality, affordability and reduced carbon footprint. This includes iconic Reverse furniture pieces by Andreu World, including coffee tables and breakout leaners. Both elegant and structurally stable, the Reverse base is incredibly versatile, and can be combined with many tabletop finishes.

Also from Andreu World is the aluminium Hula 46 bar stool by British industrial designer Benjamin Hubert. The stool’s tone on tone upholstery/lacquered colour base comes in 10 colours, making it a playful and versatile addition to the space.

The Watercare team is excited about their vibrant, interactive and collaborative workspace.

Finalist: Offices & Workplace Environments at Best Awards 2021