A minimalist masterpiece: Internet NZ’s office transformation by Studio DB

14 Oct 2024

Internet NZ’s newly designed two-level office space seamlessly blends functionality with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Painted in chic neutrals from the Resene The Range Whites & Neutrals collection, this fitout focuses on maximising views and creating a cohesive yet distinct environment for both clients and team members.

The not-for-profit organisation, managing New Zealand's top-level internet domain, sought the expertise of Caroline Watts from Studio DB for their colour palette and design. The team wanted a modern office that would serve dual purposes: a client-facing hub and a private retreat for focused work.

The brief was clear – no flashy designs, no "Google-style" gimmicks – just a clean, functional and no-nonsense space. As Caroline Watts from Studio DB describes, "Internet NZ are a no-nonsense client and knew exactly what they wanted from the new office."

Drenched in Resene Half Alabaster, the office space is chic, minimal and modern.

The space was designed to enhance the stunning view from Level 12, where floor-to-ceiling black windows frame Wellington Harbour and Lambton Quay. This level serves as the public-facing area, with a large kitchen, café and a collaborative space featuring tiered seating. Sliding doors open into the boardroom, making the space flexible for events.

The colour palette plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. For Level 12, the focus was on clean, neutral tones that wouldn’t detract from the natural light and panoramic views. The hero of this floor is Resene Half Alabaster in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, which covers the walls and ceiling, offering a crisp backdrop that complements the exterior landscape.

Resene Half Alabaster adorns the walls and ceiling of level 12, allowing the panoramic views to take centre stage.

Feature walls work to separate specific areas in the open-plan office, and are painted in a contrasting colour, Resene Tuna. 

To add depth and contrast, Resene Tuna was used on feature walls and doors, introducing a bold, charcoal tone that anchors the lightness of the space without overwhelming it. Meanwhile, Resene Trojan, a soft mid-grey, was chosen for the meeting rooms, framing the technology on the walls and creating a calm, focused atmosphere.

"The floods of natural light on this floor helped in selecting colours that brought a clean, minimal, yet warm and inviting feel into the space," Caroline says. This approach ensured that the office remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with no distractions from the cityscape outside.

While Level 12 serves clients, Level 13 offers a private sanctuary for the Internet NZ team. This floor, designed with a similar neutral palette, includes focus rooms, phone booths and internal meeting spaces against the grey backdrop of Resene Trojan.

The slate grey of Resene Tuna provides a stunning contrast against the crisp white of Resene Half Alabaster used around the office.

The staff kitchen features a calming light timber that complements the walls in Resene Half Alabaster. Finish interior timber in Resene Aquaclear Natural (walls) and Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K to protect its natural good looks.

A standout feature on both floors is the carefully considered lighting, which adds to the clean aesthetic. "We paid particular attention to the lighting and soft finishes to make the space light and bright," Caroline says. The ceiling, sprayed in white, is grounded by bold, contrasting track lighting, further enhancing the minimalist vibe.

The design journey wasn’t without its challenges. A significant issue arose with the concrete slab flooring on Level 12, which sagged inward by about 50mm from the perimeter to the centre. The team initially planned for a concrete finish in the collaborative area to match the kitchen and café space. However, to maintain level door tracks between the boardroom and collaborative space, carpet was introduced as a practical solution. "The carpet adds warmth and makes the area feel more relaxed," says Caroline.

Additionally, greenery was later introduced to the café space, further softening the interior and creating a warm, welcoming environment for guests.

In the meeting rooms, Resene Trojan was chosen for its calming grey hue, promoting productivity and focus. The surrounding walls are painted in Resene Half Alabaster and doors in Resene Tuna.

This stunning design won a Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award in the Resene Total Colour Awards. The judges said: “The palette enhances the spaciousness of this office, deliberately uncluttered, where the colour selection follows the same philosophy. The infusion of light supports the neutrality, giving clarity to the space. Varied gloss levels of materials play with the lighting and sense of space. An undeniably calm zone that sets the scene for office harmony.”

Internet NZ's new office is a testament to how thoughtful design, combined with the right colour choices, can transform a space into both a professional and inviting environment.

design Caroline Watts, Studio DB

painting SuperStruct

images Jason Mann

Published: 14 Oct 2024