Aon – Nelson

Aon New Zealand Ltd as client, engaged Matz Architects to design and oversee the interior fitout of their new workspace at 3 Paru Paru Rd, Nelson. As the regional office for Aon’s Nelson operations, the client wished to provide reception and client meeting spaces that successfully represented the Aon brand while providing a staff work environment that is open, collaborative and fun. The existing building, a historic 1930’s fire station has over previous years had various tenants resulting in the interior becoming a maze of rooms as tenants came and went. In order to take advantage of the high ceilings and large vertical windows, Matz Architects proposed to open up the building to provide public and private spaces that celebrate this important building within Nelson’s history. Across the two levels, Matz Architects proposed space for 30 staff, predominantly in open plan with meeting and breakout spaces located to aid the move from the traditional office based model that staff were accustomed to, and aid collaboration. Programmatically, the lower level is more enclosed with space for meeting & training rooms. The upper level opens up to celebrate the high raked ceilings and vast volume of the building. An art deco motif in reference of the buildings heritage is used throughout the fitout. The pattern is used on plywood screens and window glazing to create layering between rooms, aid privacy where needed and to add splashes of colour against the predominantly black and white backdrop. A colour palette of mint & mustard, reminiscent of the 30’s is used to create a playfulness against the stark white shell of the heavy concrete building. Brick is used as a backdrop to the reception at the entry to provide texture and contrast with the modernity of the CNC cut screens.