Project Credits
Client
McCaw Lewis
Date Completed
2019
Sector
Commercial & Interiors
Awards
2022 NZ Commercial Project Awards
// Silver Award
Project Governance
No items found.
Project Lead
Brian Rastrick
Design Team
A collaborative transformation saw Chow:Hill Architects shape a piece of 1970s concrete modernism into a modern, flexible workplace that enhanced client and employee experience.
If there was ever a year to refresh a workspace, an organisation's centenary in business would be it.
And that's exactly what Hamilton law firm McCaw Lewis did, with the design expertise of Chow:Hill's Hamilton/Kirikiriroa studio.
The modern law firm is located on the top two floors of 586 Victoria Street, a building formerly of 1970s concrete modernism with very little design aesthetic. The firm wanted a workspace redesign that supported more agile team dynamics and was future-proofed for the next generation of staff and clients.
Chow:Hill’s vision for the multi-storey building included a sense of personality and identity – both inside and out. In addition to modernising the interior design and fit-out of McCaw Lewis’ offices, Chow:Hill refurbished and re-lifed the original building, working in collaboration with property development specialists, Foster Develop.
Photography by: Amanda Aitken
Read More
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Fast-track design and build
The project had a strict timeframe. McCaw Lewis was celebrating its 100th year of serving the Waikato community and wanted to ensure all staff were in their newly designed and refurbished offices to mark that milestone. This meant a five-month design, document, consent and construction process, and a limited timeframe when it came to sourcing materials.
The design, modelled on a modern industrial aesthetic, preserved and respected the history of the original building while enhancing both client and employee experience. Collaborative stakeholder sessions with the wider McCaw Lewis team enabled Chow:Hill Architects to test and develop the transformed office environment while ensuring buy-in from the team.
With the building’s internal structure exposed and integrated into the modern design, the new office environment became spacious, open and enhanced by natural light. Glazed bars made windows a feature, natural wooden surfaces contrasted with black ceilings, and meeting rooms and breakout areas facilitated collaborative working.
A modern façade
Modernising McCaw Lewis’ workspace was one part of the project. Rejuvenating the external façade of the Victoria Street building was the other. Working collaboratively with Foster Develop, Chow:Hill achieved a look that complemented the revitalisation of Hamilton CBD.
The canopy of the building and its unifying columns were combined with a custom steel lattice façade screen. This transformed the building’s heavy 1970s façade into a crafted bespoke street frontage and inviting atrium, reflective of a contemporary office environment.
The McCaw Lewis team now works in premises that reflect their vision and values, a fitting environment from which they can proudly serve the Waikato for many years to come.
A collaborative transformation saw Chow:Hill Architects shape a piece of 1970s concrete modernism into a modern, flexible workplace that enhanced client and employee experience.
If there was ever a year to refresh a workspace, an organisation's centenary in business would be it.
And that's exactly what Hamilton law firm McCaw Lewis did, with the design expertise of Chow:Hill's Hamilton/Kirikiriroa studio.
The modern law firm is located on the top two floors of 586 Victoria Street, a building formerly of 1970s concrete modernism with very little design aesthetic. The firm wanted a workspace redesign that supported more agile team dynamics and was future-proofed for the next generation of staff and clients.
Chow:Hill’s vision for the multi-storey building included a sense of personality and identity – both inside and out. In addition to modernising the interior design and fit-out of McCaw Lewis’ offices, Chow:Hill refurbished and re-lifed the original building, working in collaboration with property development specialists, Foster Develop.
Photography by: Amanda Aitken
Read More
Fast-track design and build
The project had a strict timeframe. McCaw Lewis was celebrating its 100th year of serving the Waikato community and wanted to ensure all staff were in their newly designed and refurbished offices to mark that milestone. This meant a five-month design, document, consent and construction process, and a limited timeframe when it came to sourcing materials.
The design, modelled on a modern industrial aesthetic, preserved and respected the history of the original building while enhancing both client and employee experience. Collaborative stakeholder sessions with the wider McCaw Lewis team enabled Chow:Hill Architects to test and develop the transformed office environment while ensuring buy-in from the team.
With the building’s internal structure exposed and integrated into the modern design, the new office environment became spacious, open and enhanced by natural light. Glazed bars made windows a feature, natural wooden surfaces contrasted with black ceilings, and meeting rooms and breakout areas facilitated collaborative working.
A modern façade
Modernising McCaw Lewis’ workspace was one part of the project. Rejuvenating the external façade of the Victoria Street building was the other. Working collaboratively with Foster Develop, Chow:Hill achieved a look that complemented the revitalisation of Hamilton CBD.
The canopy of the building and its unifying columns were combined with a custom steel lattice façade screen. This transformed the building’s heavy 1970s façade into a crafted bespoke street frontage and inviting atrium, reflective of a contemporary office environment.
The McCaw Lewis team now works in premises that reflect their vision and values, a fitting environment from which they can proudly serve the Waikato for many years to come.
Project Credits
Client
586 Victoria St, McCaw Lewis Fitout
Status
2019
Project Type
Commercial & Interiors
Awards
2022 NZ Commercial Project Awards
// Silver Award
A collaborative transformation saw Chow:Hill Architects shape a piece of 1970s concrete modernism into a modern, flexible workplace that enhanced client and employee experience.
If there was ever a year to refresh a workspace, an organisation's centenary in business would be it.
And that's exactly what Hamilton law firm McCaw Lewis did, with the design expertise of Chow:Hill's Hamilton/Kirikiriroa studio.
The modern law firm is located on the top two floors of 586 Victoria Street, a building formerly of 1970s concrete modernism with very little design aesthetic. The firm wanted a workspace redesign that supported more agile team dynamics and was future-proofed for the next generation of staff and clients.
Chow:Hill’s vision for the multi-storey building included a sense of personality and identity – both inside and out. In addition to modernising the interior design and fit-out of McCaw Lewis’ offices, Chow:Hill refurbished and re-lifed the original building, working in collaboration with property development specialists, Foster Develop.
Photography by: Amanda Aitken
Read More
Fast-track design and build
The project had a strict timeframe. McCaw Lewis was celebrating its 100th year of serving the Waikato community and wanted to ensure all staff were in their newly designed and refurbished offices to mark that milestone. This meant a five-month design, document, consent and construction process, and a limited timeframe when it came to sourcing materials.
The design, modelled on a modern industrial aesthetic, preserved and respected the history of the original building while enhancing both client and employee experience. Collaborative stakeholder sessions with the wider McCaw Lewis team enabled Chow:Hill Architects to test and develop the transformed office environment while ensuring buy-in from the team.
With the building’s internal structure exposed and integrated into the modern design, the new office environment became spacious, open and enhanced by natural light. Glazed bars made windows a feature, natural wooden surfaces contrasted with black ceilings, and meeting rooms and breakout areas facilitated collaborative working.
A modern façade
Modernising McCaw Lewis’ workspace was one part of the project. Rejuvenating the external façade of the Victoria Street building was the other. Working collaboratively with Foster Develop, Chow:Hill achieved a look that complemented the revitalisation of Hamilton CBD.
The canopy of the building and its unifying columns were combined with a custom steel lattice façade screen. This transformed the building’s heavy 1970s façade into a crafted bespoke street frontage and inviting atrium, reflective of a contemporary office environment.
The McCaw Lewis team now works in premises that reflect their vision and values, a fitting environment from which they can proudly serve the Waikato for many years to come.
Project Credits
Client
586 Victoria St, McCaw Lewis Fitout
Status
2019
Project Type
Commercial & Interiors
Awards
2022 NZ Commercial Project Awards
// Silver Award
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