Level 2 & 3
CPO Building, Britomart, Auckland
2 floors of 1600m²
200 People

Previously designed and managed fitout in Vero Centre.
 
When Maersk acquired P&O Nedloyd, Stack were invited to pitch for design of new premises in CPO.  Stack won the commission to design and manage the relocation for the newly merged Maersk Line.
This project has been delivered on an extremely tight programme. Design and documentation periods were reduced to bare minimums, to meet projected relocation date - early March 2006.  The briefing process began in September 2005.  The brief developed quickly, as Maersk gained clarity on the structure of their new, larger organisation. Department relationships and numbers were confirmed, and a two floor layout was developed. Maersk have a generic workstation configuration and style, which was employed in planning stages.
 
The building is an Auckland historic icon - which was under extensive renovation. It was necessary to create documentation for resource and building consent - almost in advance of a concept design being developed, in order to lodge the necessary consents with the local council to meet the programme objectives. The base building interior itself was being majorly renovated and modernised, and any new interior design works had to dovetail with the building in a sympathetic manner, while also adhering to strict requirements of the heritage architects.
 
The base building interior provided a unique set of design challenges - feature historic columns throughout each floor, high ceilings and various beam heights, all lovingly restored with elaborate cornices. New bulkheads and lowered suspended ceilings to accommodate modern services, added to the complex ceiling structure. The buildings large windows and its "doughnut" shape (around a central atrium) were all challenges in creating a functional modern office. The two fundamental design principals we adopted were - this beautiful old building has enough character on her own - let’s keep the interior low key, light and clean. The second was to create a modern functional workspace that reflected Maersk’s Scandinavian roots.
 
The arrival area for a Maersk guest - via the lifts or stair - is some distance from the reception area. We needed a method to create a feeling of being in Maersk from the beginning of the "journey" until reception is reached. To do this, we created a Maersk gallery of images and treasured memorabilia of the firm and it is used to create ownership of the lobby spaces, and lead guests to the reception areas.
 
Workspaces are created with 1800 x 1800 desks, with a clear mandate to keep everything neat, clean and tidy - and all below 1000mm high. This is greatly enhanced by the volumous and bright base building. Storage areas are common and central. Alcoves modelled after shipping containers, are home to large utility areas for copiers and equipment etc.  Storage and computer room facilities are connected to the small "core" areas, allowing as much clear, open space as possible in the main open office areas. 

Of great interest on the third floor, are two "turrets" which flank the CPO building. These turrets are accessed via spiral staircases, one of which is original, and now located within the boardroom area. The other turret is part of the staff cafeteria space, opening to a spacious outdoor deck.  Maersk management were very keen to create a great environment for their team, and the staff cafe is a large and bright space, where staff can enjoy an up market cafe atmosphere, the relaxed environment of the turret, or the fresh air out on the connected deck. The interior styling has a distinct Scandinavian flavour, including the classic Fritz Hansen Series 7 chair.
 
The reception and client meeting areas have clean lines, and richer timbers. There are visual references to things marine, and to the Maersk international shipping fleet. Maersk sponsorship of New Zealand yachting is represented in tall graphic images, which add to a visitor’s journey towards the reception space.  The counter is styled to subtly reflect the curvature of the Maersk logo, and the material choice – a thick painted steel, gives a solid maritime vessel feeling.

www.maersk.co.nz