MC Workplace Fit-out

Jasmax
New Zealand/Aotearoa

Competing locally and globally for top litigation talent, MC’s new 230-person premises is designed to radically differentiate the firm. The 5,500sqm workplace design exemplifies the firm’s forward-thinking approach to attracting talent by providing an unparalleled employee experience in a premium ecosystem designed for the development of exemplary litigation skills.

Jasmax’s interior design brief was to celebrate contemporary Aotearoa, connect people with the natural environment in a workspace dedicated to wellbeing, and expel preconceived notions of ‘the typical law firm’. The resulting space uniquely includes a living terrarium, providing employees with a sensory experience akin to walking through the Waitakere Ranges. Also unique to New Zealand is a precise replica of Auckland’s High Court supporting professional development.

The space includes six staff workspaces celebrating aspects of contemporary Aotearoa arranged across two buildings either side of a full-height atrium interconnected by generous link bridges and stairways. Social and learning and development activities programmed around this atrium ensure people and activities intersect and overlap around the naturally lit heart of the floorplate. An array of formal and informal work settings also accommodates varying working styles, including silent concentration spaces, collaborative meeting rooms, a café and breakout areas.

Unique to New Zealand, the resulting space includes a living terrarium, providing employees with a sensory experience akin to walking through Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges. Biophilic design principles have been used throughout the terrarium and workplace with the aim of reducing stress, enhancing wellbeing, and increasing motivation and creativity through connection to the natural environment.

Cementing its bold and holistic commitment to staff wellbeing, MC has also become the first law firm in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve WELL Pre-Certification and is aiming to be the first to secure WELL v2 Certification.

Furniture: Zenith Interiors (Swiss Design, Zenith Interiors), UFL (Andreu World, Sancal), Aspect Furniture Systems, Simon James Design (Resident), Cult (Hay, Fritz Hansen), Kada (Vitra, Actiu,Framery, Schiavello, Kada), Unison (Segis, Pedrali), Tim Webber Design, Citta Design, ICO Traders, Harrows, Vidak, IMO, Hawthorne Group, Forma. Lighting: Phillips Lighting, Energylight (Naboo, Energyline, Triona, Exenia), Murano Plus (Bramble), ECC (Gervasoni), Lightplan, Thorn Lighting (Zumotobel), Inlite (Deltalight), Brightlight, LightStudio. Finishes: Potters (Mars ClimaPlus), Autex, Forman (Armstrong Ceilings), Decortech, Resene, Sculptform, Godfrey Hirst (Feltex), Jacobsens (Shaw Contract), The Tile People, Briggs Veneers, Laminex (Formica), Ecoply, Jacobsens (Tarkett), Artisan Collective (Emma Hayes), Textilia (Camira), APT Innovation (Fenix, Corian), Inzide (Forbo), Outside In. Fittings & Fixtures: Mico (Caroma, Paffoni), Brita, Purelite, Plumbing Plus, Plumbline, Methven, Hideaway Bins, Acero, Joinery Hardware.

Photography: Jono Parker