The clients’ shared commitment to the integration of sustainable design principles has resulted in the completed building achieving a 5 Green Star rating for Office Design from the NZGBC. The northerly aspect of the site and cooling breezes that characterise Auckland’s weather systems are harnessed to provide a climatically responsive building, designed with the needs of users and the creation of a sustainable future in mind. 

The façade is inspired by the pohutukawa wreathed coastline of Waitematā Harbour, with screens providing 65% shading to the interior whilst also maintaining impressive views seaward. North-facing clerestory glazing and a stepped plan in the atrium of the western block allows for maximum penetration of daylight ensuring all work floors benefit from natural daylight. A sophisticated natural ventilation (fresh air displacement) system notifies occupants when external conditions are favourable to open windows, and a light-reflector installed on the roof directs natural sunlight into the central atria of the eastern wing.

ASB North Wharf represented a shared vision to lead commercial office development, not just in Aotearoa New Zealand, but on the world stage. It provides innovative facilities for a healthier and more productive workplace environment by reflecting a long-term commitment to nurturing a diverse and sustainable community at Wynyard Quarter. 

The building’s interior design encourages staff to engage as a community within a non-hierarchical framework where all spaces are available to all people. ASB North Wharf might be described as the physical matrix through which ASB has been able to transform its workplace practices using Activity Based Working (ABW) philosophies and was the first building in New Zealand to be designed and constructed to comprehensively implement these. 

The project was successfully delivered on time and on budget as a joint venture by Jasmax and BVN Donovan Hill. Integral to the interior design is an Activity Based Working Strategy led by Veldhoen + Company.