Commercial alteration, Ben Lomond Crescent

Forvia Hella engaged THE DESIGNFIRE to redesign their Auckland office. The work completed so far represents stage one of a larger project, which will later include the building of a mezzanine floor and the redevelopment of their laboratory.

The project scope for stage one included:

• A full redesign of the existing office, reception and boardroom.
• Fire design and implementation, including improvements to the existing Fire Safety System.
• Engaging and liaising with all specialist consultants, including lighting and electrical, and mechanical design.
• Working drawings, specification, and documentation for the building consent.
• Complete interior design and specification.
• Implementation of interior branding and signage.
• Liaison and negotiation with the main contractor to facilitate the fit-out.

Forvia is the seventh largest global automotive supplier. Worldwide, one out of every two vehicles is equipped with Forvia products.

Their Auckland office hadn’t been touched for over 30 years and was a poor reflection of the Forvia brand, so THE DESIGNFIRE was asked to bring the office interior up to an international standard.

The office space design was a challenge. Staff numbers at Forvia Hella have grown over recent years and are expected to continue increasing. Therefore, we needed to accommodate 25 people, but plan for more. Although we wanted to encourage cross-department interaction, we also needed to accommodate the needs of departments that required privacy and intimacy to perform their duties.

Our solution included a combination of open plan areas and glass partitioned offices to give clear sight lines from wall to wall. We stepped the ceilings and mixed standard grids with smooth gib surfaces to break up the space and create visual interest.

We created a neutral and contemporary colour palette, from the carpet tile on the floor through to the custom cabinets, in warm grey-brown timber hues. Router cut and patterned acoustic wall panelling added texture while also providing acoustic buffering in what could otherwise be a bit of an echo chamber.

We added Forvia Hellas corporate branding strategically added throughout the environment, which introduced touches of vibrant colour and reinforced the brand identity. Secondary brand colours were used on the floor to delineate the different departments.

We are excited to get the fit-out for this project underway in early 2023. Meanwhile, the design for stage two is underway.