When BTW relocated to Land and Survey House on the corner of Courtenay and Eliot Streets in New Plymouth, they partnered with Taranaki construction companies to complete their office fit out. 15 years on, these premises were no longer meeting their needs, so they once again chose local when planning improvements to their facilities.
Working closely with BOON Team Architects and Clelands, refurbishment work commenced in 2020 to provide a fit-for-purpose office for a growing, multi-disciplinary team. In May 2021, BTW welcomed people back through the doors of their new look workplace.
On face value, it is a mix of open plan, office and meeting spaces across split level, catering for integrated service provision and diverse use. But when you step through the front entrance and move through the spaces, it quickly becomes apparent that BTW’s premises are more than partitions, floors and fittings. It is an extension of the company’s core values, a facilitator of culture and an expose of BTW’s future focused approach.
Covid-19 has presented many challenges across our motu, and made it even clearer to BTW’s management team that committing to this location, investing to improve a landmark building and partnering with local contractors was the right thing to do.
‘Supporting and investing local’ was a guiding philosophy throughout the project from conception to the finishing touches.
A key feature that adorns the glass walls of hui spaces across both our regional offices (Ngāmotu and Kirikiriroa) is the Poutama design. Poutama has its origins in the woven art of Māori tukutuku panels and represents engagement with and consolidation of new knowledge, continued progress and growth as we journey onward together. In meeting houses, Poutama panels are traditionally used in mirror image, with the stepped design climbing upwards from both sides to reach the summit at the centre. Adopting Poutama as a visual metaphor is one way BTW are authentically connecting with Aotearoa’s history and culture. Another is the use of bi-lingual signage both inside and out.
Alongside original artworks of Taranaki artists on walls throughout, you’ll find historic maps (one from Frederic Carrington), landmark imagery and community projects BTW support.
As BTW approaches 50 years in business, this office refurbishment in a landmark, central New Plymouth building is a true commitment to supporting local and an investment in our future.
