BrandSpec | Jacobsen NZ Flooring

BrandSpec, a leader in managing sales, brand and marketing assets for global food and beverage brands, has recently relocated to its new headquarters in Wiri, Auckland. The facility features a 4,000m² warehouse and a 403m² office space that was designed by Erini Compton and StudioStudio’s Sebastian Negri. This workspace which has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Best Awards for the Colour Spatial category, is a vibrant reflection of BrandSpec’s ethos.

The interior design complements the contemporary nature of the architectural expression. The design concept, titled “Exposed Compositions”, emphasises reduction, resourcefulness and striking compositions to create a workplace that also serves as a storytelling piece.

The designers identified key areas to incorporate "magical branding opportunities" that embody the company's ethos and values through careful material selection and product design. These moments are essential in shaping BrandSpec's workplace identity, brought to life through simple yet bold design elements, such as geometric shapes and thoughtfully chosen colours and textures.

BrandSpec's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of sustainable materials like recycled rubber and cork for elements such as stairs and furniture.

Desso Grezzo carpet tiles became the foundation of the design narrative. The designers aimed to reflect BrandSpec’s connection to the printing industry by incorporating a concept inspired by graphic art. They discovered a geometric artwork from the mid-1950s, zoomed in until it fragmented into pixels, and used this as the basis for the flooring design.

After a thorough search, they selected Desso Grezzo from Jacobsen for its ideal shades of green, which matched the BrandSpec brand colour, along with warmer neutrals. The carpet’s pixelated, textured appearance connects seamlessly with the overall design theme.

With a durability rating of Commercial 33 Heavy and certifications such as Cradle to Cradle and ISO 14001, Grezzo meets the high standards required for BrandSpec’s bustling workplace. Its textured design effectively conceals dirt and wear, making it perfect for high foot-traffic areas such as entrances and thoroughfares. The design team began with darker colours near the entry points and carefully transitioned to greener tones throughout the space, resulting in a thoughtful and practical aesthetic.

The meeting rooms are designed to promote collaboration and creativity, each featuring a monochromatic theme in charcoal, navy and apricot. Shaw Contract Dye Lab carpet tiles serve as a perfect backdrop for the colour-coordinated furniture and accessories.

Inspired by natural dyeing techniques, the Dye Lab range offers a palette of 26 colours, showcasing artistic and random colour variations that range from light to deep, saturated tones. Additionally, the Shaw Contract EcoWorx® backing promotes environmental responsibility, further enhancing the project's sustainability credentials.

When unexpected delays threatened the supply of the Desso Grezzo tiles, Jacobsen took the initiative to provide a proactive solution. Temporary flooring was installed to keep the project on schedule, ensuring that the space remained functional while waiting for the arrival of the selected tiles. This dedication to problem-solving allowed the designers to maintain their carefully chosen materials and vision without compromise. The expert team at KR Flooring ensured that the installation of the intricate and technical pattern was executed flawlessly.

BrandSpec's new headquarters is a remarkable blend of design, functionality and sustainability, where each aspect of the flooring enhances the overarching theme of growth and creativity. The outcome is a space that embodies the essence of BrandSpec's business while promoting a more dynamic and collaborative workplace culture.