Government Building Ōtepoti

Located within a new building developed by the landlord and base build architect WAM, the project required close collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including the landlord project team, Kāi Tahu, WAM, and the client's internal project group. The delivery approach split responsibilities across the (MCHF) Main contractor Hard fitout and the client's subdivision hard fitout (SHF), which included the integration of full-height acoustic partitions requiring a high high level of coordination to align design intent, construction sequencing, and stakeholder expectations - ensuring a seamless interface between landlord and tenant works.

Design Features:
The interior design celebrates openness and connection while addressing the government agency's operational requirements for privacy and security.

Key components included:
- Front-of-house reception designed for high-security requirements and controlled public interface.
- A generous social hub and staff café serving as the heart of the workplace - a destination for all staff to gather, collaborate, and connect.
- Transition to unassigned desking supported by a balanced range of collaboration zones, focus areas, quiet rooms, and lockers, promoting flexibility and activity-based working.
- Integration of end-of-trip facilities and internal stair connections to encourage movement and wellbeing.

Design Process:
Catalyst led an inclusive design process that combined stakeholder engagement with advanced visual communication. The team utilised 3D renders and immersive flythroughs to illustrate spatial layouts, material palettes, and user experiences - ensuring the client's project team and staff could visualise the design, set expectations, and stay engaged throughout the journey.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) played a crucial role in the design process, facilitating communication, collaboration, and coordination among the project team. This digital toolset, including Autodesk BIM360, became a central aspect of the project's workflow, driving discussions on design development, coordination, and health and safety.

The new Dunedin Hub delivers a modern, people-centered environment that embodies our client's values and commitment to employee wellbeing. Through strong collaboration, precise coordination, and thoughtful design execution, the project successfully transformed a complex multi-site relocation into a unified, future-ready workplace for the Dunedin team.

• Project team

• Tessa Leonard,

• Allan Stevens,