Precinct has redefined the quality standard for New Zealand workspace, creating a welcoming, futuristic and international feel of a premium workspace for Auckland within the newly opened PwC Tower.
The design was influenced around what their prospective tenants expected in terms of access to retail, transport, hospitality and shared space. They required an environment that was versatile for all types of use, that demanded attention and created a sense of community.
The traditional office lobby served a single purpose of providing a thoroughfare from the building entry to the lifts, not to provide a space that encouraged connection or a sense of lingering. Now the lobby and common spaces are a major focal point as they become a strong influencer in helping occupiers recruit talent.
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct says “The PwC Tower at Commercial Bay represents the most significant evolution in premium workspace that Auckland has seen in decades. It will recalibrate how businesses think about work in the city.”
As you ascend the escalators from Commercial Bay retail area to the Sky Lobby it is clear that the PwC Tower has hit the mark. The 1,300sqm lobby space oozes quality and charm from the moment the double height, north-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows drench you in natural light.
Anyone visiting the PwC Tower must walk through the lobby to reach the lifts and therefore everyone will experience and enjoy this space. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in partnership with Woods Bagot, it provides an international feel and ambience reminiscent of a hotel-style environment. It is equipped to meet all the demands of visitors and tenants through a seamless digital experience or the human connection of a fulltime concierge. All aspects of design have been considered including the music, high-end quality materials including travertine marble used within the construction through to the beautiful artwork that adorns the space.
Blair Johnston, Principal at Warren and Mahoney says, “We were inspired by the idea of creating an urban oasis. The end result is a place of calm and respite within the fast pace of central Auckland, offering a generous outdoor landscape environment with unexpected city and harbour views as an extension of the interior.”
Even the choice of art has been carefully considered. Precinct engaged art curator Paul Baragwanath to commission a series of public artworks, which have become a key part of the overall experience. Each bespoke piece is inspired by the surrounding environment. Artist Kevin Osmond has two featured pieces in the Sky Lobby, one being the red glass balls suspended above Spectra café which represent planetary trajectory. Placing the glass balls at a variety of heights, the piece draws in the eye and is further enhanced as it responds to the changing direction of the sun and the subtle way the artwork owns the space.
Spectra, the Sky Lobby café, is a 120 pax full table service dining option or a grab and go offering. Open to the public it brings a buzz to the Sky Lobby and serves up superb coffee that can be enjoyed in the variety of seating options. On Friday evenings Spectra transforms into a space offering a drink and bar snacks, a perfect way to end the week.
Beyond the lobby is the Sky Terrace, a spacious outdoor area that begs you to head outside to soak up the vitamin D. It’s 1,400sqm of tasteful space boasts custom designed seating and native plants providing a unique area to enjoy a break during the day.
The PwC Tower comprises of 39,000sqm of Premium Grade commercial office space, with 39 levels of office accommodation. Five large-scale tenants are already in situ and the quality that is seen within the Sky Lobby has extended to their incredible individual workspace fitouts.
As businesses rely more heavily on shared event and meeting spaces as an economical solution, these were integrated into the design of PwC Tower from the onset. Level two provides four innovative areas for people and businesses to cultivate creativity, focus and spark collaboration. Operated by Generator, Auckland’s leading shared workspace and event provider, the spaces feature the latest AV technology and are suitable from large board meetings through to 145 pax seminars and 180 pax cocktail functions.
When designing the PwC Tower, energy efficient design measures were considered resulting in a Green Star Rating being achieved. These measures include rainwater harvesting to supplement the water supply serving the cooling towers, extensive energy and water metering connected to the MBS for operational monitoring and optimisation and more. It has outstanding seismic resilience constructed to the equivalent of 180% NBS, and delivers business continuity through dual mains power supply unique to the Commercial Bay location providing network diversity.
The end of trip facility has been architecturally designed with a high spec fitout providing convenience and delivering a premium experience. It allows tenants to enter directly from Customs Street and offers bike storage for 230 cycle parks including a bike pump and repair station, 39 showers, toilets, 32” TVs, full length mirrors, GHD hair straighteners, towel service, digital lockers, water stations and more.
By creating a destination that is more than a workspace but a hub seamlessly connected to retail, hospitality options, transport and outdoor space, the PwC Tower has more than delivered on its world-class expectations.