ARANZ Geo is a local developer of 3D geological modelling software solutions directed toward the mining and hydro markets. The company, formed in 1995, has grown rapidly in recent years with the development of their proprietary software systems marketed in over 30 countries through a network of Local Support Offices sited close to major mining areas. As a result of both their continuing growth and the effect of the Canterbury earthquakes, ARANZ Geo relocated their Christchurch head office to house their 50 plus staff and looked to Element 17 for the interior design of the 1000 square metre floor plate.

The designer’s role was to develop the workplace strategy including workstation layout, and then match the interior setting with furnishings, wall fittings and claddings appropriate to the business model of the company and its people. It follows that being high-tech in product, services and people (a large number of staff having a PhD qualification) developing an ‘ordinary’ fit-out wasn’t going to be enough.

The two over-riding features were the high-tech scientific nature of the business and that the whole business was dealing with geology – in other words, the land and what is under it. These two factors were kept at the forefront of the design and colour schemes, using large wall murals with natural colours and images (greenery, scenic graphics etc.) together with featured geometric decals and futuristic wallpapers, with colours based on natural earth and environmental colours.

The colours selected throughout the fit-out were a backdrop for other finishes. The pendant lights were internally wrapped in green nature images, partitions included large digital prints of scenic forestry. Subtle use was also made of other vinyl decal graphics – a strip round the perimeter walls to match Resene Green Leaf (acidic green) was used on partitions painted in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted to Resene Black White (grey white).

Green and orange were used throughout the furniture and screens between workstations. These colours continued into the use of the wall paints. Resene Green Leaf reflects the nature theme on the large feature green wall. Resene Ecstasy (tangerine orange) painted over Resene Anaglypta wallpaper 164404 creates a textured wall in the stairway wall, while Resene Green Leaf painted over Resene Anaglypta wallpaper RD80028 creates a textured wall finish in the meeting room.

Architectural specifier: Element 17
Client: ARANZ Geo
Painting contractor: Competitive Painters
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2013
From the Resene News – issue 3/2014

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