Situated on one of Cashmere Estate’s prime pieces of real estate, Mitchell House embraces the sun and the uninterrupted views across the wetlands and beyond. Designed for a family of bicycle enthusiasts and entertainers, two elegant pavilions are connected by a centralised entry lobby welcoming guests upon arrival up the driveway boulevard of mature trees. Simple and refined, the pavilions are clad with vertical shiplap cedar cladding, with accents of pre-finished aluminium panels. Open plan living and entertaining spaces are located within the northern pavilion to maximise views and feature a timber lined raked ceiling. All bedrooms positioned to feature views across, along or up the surrounding valleys. Mitchell House is anticipated to commence construction in January 2021.

The brief was to create a natural, honest, inviting space where the theatre of roasting was part of the café customer experience. The design drew it’s inspiration from utilising the materials in their raw form and introducing recycled materials to reinforce the industrial theme, creating a bold, dramatic space. Much of the café detailing is bespoke design - recycled sprinkler pipe has been converted into retail shelving utilising scaffold planks for shelves and walls were lined with recycled coffee bean sacks. Where possible recycled materials were used to enhance the overall brand effect, keeping the material palette honest and authentic.

Our latest successful project was to take this dated building which facilitated a church and convert to a state of the art showroom. The rejuvenation required a completely new cladding system, creating a larger parapet and replacing the shopfront. We raised the glass, polished the floors and included designer lighting. This high impact, masculine result is only complimented by the smell of 98 octane, leather accents and polished chrome.

Hierarchy Group were the Lead Designers for the 2,000m² expansion of Christchurch Airport’s retail and hospitality offering in International Departures, incorporating a new Aelia Duty Free Store. Design cues for the Aelia Store were taken from well-known features of Christchurch and the South Island in order to create a strong ‘sense of place’ within the store. An angular timber mountain-scape ceiling represents the Southern Alps and helps link different zones together. A graffiti wall of South Island flora and fauna provides the backdrop to NZ Gifts. A bespoke floral wallpaper highlights the fragrance area and references Christchurch’s ‘Garden City’ fame, while other tourist attractions such as the Christchurch Tram, New Regent Street and the Antigua Boat Sheds are also represented. Creating a background to the more themed elements is a neutral palette of timeless and elegant materials designed to ensure passengers flow naturally through the space. The project was delivered over a 7 month build period split into 3 stages with the additional challenge of ensuring the existing Duty Free store was able to operate throughout the build and that there was minimal noise disruption to all passengers and airport staff. The success of the project has relied heavily on thorough planning undertaken right from the early design stages as well as clear and open communication throughout the project with all parties involved.

Adjacent to Aelia Duty Free, new stores for Whittaker’s, Naturally NZ by Discover, Tiki Tour and Relay sit alongside each other forming part of the 2,000m² retail expansion in International Departures. The Whittaker’s store design takes advantage of strong branding and an existing material palette, with the golden glow of the chocolate shop window creating a sense of luxury and providing a focal point along the airside store frontages. The new store concept created for Naturally NZ by Discover, which showcases New Zealand Merino products, is a contemporary take on a woolshed with a patchwork plywood shopfront, minimal palette of materials and New Zealand landscape imagery throughout. This leads on to the Tiki Tour store which was designed to reflect the New Zealand outdoors, or more specifically a South Island bush walk with the forest canopy projected onto the ceiling above, creating a natural and inviting space. The Relay store aesthetic was developed to create a more contemporary and uncluttered design, with angled linear lighting to create interest while still retaining a strong brand presence. All stores have been designed to have their own identity but to complement each other as well.

The Alps Bar and Pizza is located in the International Departures passenger lounge where it takes full advantage of the stunning view over the Southern Alps and provides a welcoming stopping point before passengers reach their departure gates. The design brief was to create a contemporary, cool and comfortable environment which has been achieved through clever use of materials, space planning and detailing. A mix of timber battens, black geometric tiles, planting, black steelwork and buttoned upholstery create texture and pattern. A combination of high leaners and lower seating options create different zones within the space. The overall effect is warm and inviting, organic and relaxed.

The Laneway Apartments provide a refreshing perspective on the rebirth of residential inner city living within the heart of Christchurch’s CBD. This apartment building is sleeved with commercial tenancy and hospitality space on Ground floor, with five floors of residential above, consisting of 44 apartments. Targeted at the first home buyer, Hierarchy Group’s approach has been to develop a building that would encourage a strong sense of Whakapapa (Identity and Connection to place). Activated laneways lead residents, guests and public past retail and hospitality offerings. Various landscape offerings and artwork are integrated throughout the facades and foyers to tie in to the cultural narratives of the Te Are Pu Ha: The South Frame. The design is currently in the final stages of construction documentation and with more than half of the apartments already pre-sold, Hierarchy Group is excited to see prominent central city development take shape on site with construction commencing on site in September 2019.

Hierarchy Group was tasked with completing architectural documentation for Stage 3 of the BOXed Quarter development on St Asaph Street, Christchurch. Hierarchy Group carefully planned and designed the residential units within the compact modular construction system while complying with Building Code & City Rules for living spaces. The residential units were also planned & designed to encourage social living and integration. Unique bridges and balconies link the units for access and a grassed, shared outdoor communal space is provided at the ground level.

Cashmere Estate approached Hierarchy Group to develop marketing collateral to support with their section pre-sales strategy. Presented with an empty green field site and an overall landscape masterplan, our challenge was to present a high-quality series of still imagery, as well as a video fly through. The package showpieces the beautiful landscaped surrounding in its future state, as well as the impressive residential lots that are available to the market. With a staged roll out strategy, our involvement is ongoing, providing marketing collateral for the developers as required.

Zone Bowling and Timezone Christchurch has undergone an extensive makeover. Hierarchy Group carried out the Build documentation and assisted with Project Management to get them back up and running in time for the School Holidays.

New Zealand’s second official All Blacks store opened in Christchurch Airport to coincide with the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Inspired by the tradition of a locker room, the store features two eye-catching LED archway entrances inviting shoppers into the store - an experiential area featuring the Haka 360 experience, digital highlights reel showing iconic match moments, and a roof adorned with a super-sized silver fern. Designed by Tailor Inc Limited, the 120m² fit out is located in the centre of the main landside terminal, making it available to both domestic and international departing passengers.

The design concept is strongly influenced by the building’s highly sculptural façade – organic forms and circular motifs are evident throughout, creating a synergy between the building and the interior. Highly textured finishes are layered with natural materials and lush greenery to create a vibrant and tactile interior. While the palette is predominantly neutral, the high level of detailing creates interest and cohesiveness within the space. Clever lighting creates an ambience that appeals from all directions. The crafted organic forms of the joinery work with the unique shape of the interior creates natural flow and relaxed spaces within to meet the needs of the diverse customer base.

After completing approximately 16 kiosk fitouts for our clients it was time to refresh the look and feel of their kiosk design for the next fitout phase. The new design is fresh and simple, using a few key materials extensively to create the overall look and maintain the same quality and style. It has a distinctly Scandinavian look with the extensive use of pale timber and neutral materials. The striking brand image has been retained but as with the strong, bold graphics, creates immediate impact on the neutral background. Clever detailing comes from the strong geometric pattern repeated across the finishes and replicated within the lighting design. The seating area has been redesigned to better suit customer needs including modesty panels and high leaners ideal for perching for a quick bite.

The brief was audacious – a multi-functional facility including bar, café, and restaurant with the ability for indoor/outdoor dining seating for 250 people, family friendly but intimate enough not to feel like a barn. The commanding setting demanded a build that blended into the alpine surroundings. The result is rustic with an industrial edge. Existing structural elements were used to define smaller spaces while ensuring smooth traffic flow. Cloaked in black, acoustic ceiling tiles ensure maximum noise reduction, vital in such a vast space and ensuring a relaxed dining experience. Fire & Ice received 'Highly Commended' Commercial Interior Award at the ADNZ Regional Awards 2016.

K Road presents Hierarchy Group with an exciting opportunity to push the conventional SPACES design brief as a contemporary business hub which is woven into the centuries-old building fabric. Working in conjunction with SPACES European design office who co-ordinate thousands of similar sites worldwide, we have recently been accredited as a SPACES design studio. This design-build role spreads across two levels and totals approx. 2700m². Off the back of K Road, Hierarchy Group has been engaged to design and build SPACES Commercial Bay, which occupies 3 levels, approx. 4000m² of high profile office space located on Auckland’s waterfront.

When International Workplace Group (formerly Regus), the world’s largest provider of flexible work spaces started expanding their offering in New Zealand, Hierarchy Group quickly joined forces with them to deliver the two new locations, Bizdojo Takapuna and Bizdojo Ponsonby Road. The shared work spaces are driven by mobile workforces, technological advancements and globalisation, and are designed to be bold and contemporary in design, cost effective, and positioned in prime locations. Each location offers business centres, meeting rooms, serviced offices, day offices, hot desks, virtual offices with telephone answering service and mail forwarding, and on-site coffee bars.

Regus engaged Hierarchy Group for design and build services for their 700m² office fitout located within the heart of Auckland’s CBD. Working with Regus’s design brief, the project required high level coordination between the design team, contractors and client in order to achieve the high quality space that resulted. With a brief inspired by European design standards and suppliers, during the design phase, Hierarchy Group focussed on responding to the highly prescriptive brief requirements and translating them to meet New Zealand manufacturing and supply chains.

This high profile shared office space project is our biggest challenge yet. Occupying 3 levels, approx. 4000sqm and located on Auckland’s waterfront, it provides Hierarchy Group the opportunity to firmly embed ourselves in the Auckland design market. Drawing inspiration from SPACES fitouts around the world the design is simple, clean and elegant. It focuses on a neutral, fresh materials palette. Using mostly natural timber veneer and a range of textured fabrics and fresh finishes, the design is stylish but pared back, allowing people to populate the spaces and bring them to life through the way they utilise them.

When Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible work spaces, expanded their offering in New Zealand, the Hierarchy Group/Inovo team quickly joined forces with them to deliver a new location, Mall 218, a renovation of the Harvest Court Mall in George Street, Dunedin. The 1100m² contemporary business centre offers seating for 180 people, with options ranging from open plan space to booths, 42 private enclosed offices or boardrooms, a reception and café. The design focused on Regus’ brief of ‘rustic-industrial’, exposing the building’s original structural timbers and raw brickwork, installing modern fixtures and fittings, and creating a green wall and bridge over the first floor void.

Our intention with this project was to create a point of difference from the surrounding houses. The premium subdivision has strict covenants so to achieve this we designed a building of blocks, variable heights and a protruding roof with adjacent directions. The soffits and cathedral ceilings are lined in directional cedar. This draws your eye through the facade and engages the interior of the house. Avoiding hallways we positioned the rooms around the central staircase. This brings a volume of light into the core of the house. It also draws hot air through the building and extracts through a SE top light window. The materials palette works with the environment maintaining a neutral position, combining natural cedar, stone and plaster.

This large, north facing property on Glandovey Road in central Christchurch demanded an architecturally high-end house to be built in place of the existing damaged bungalow. Hierarchy Group were engaged with Farrell Construction as part of a Design & Build contract to deliver the new 380m², two storey home. The home has five bedrooms, two living areas, a triple garage and extensive decking and paving making full use of the north facing back yard. The cladding combination together with the large glazing creates a contemporary design. Dramatic moments are made throughout, most notably the double storey glazed wall to the core of the home which includes the open riser steel and timber staircase. Vast amounts of sunlight fill the core moving through the staircase creating a warm exciting entry to the home.

This social housing project consists of four two storey buildings and three single level two bedroom houses. With a tight build programme and a challenging budget, it appeared prefabrication would be the smart choice. Hierarchy Group joined the team with the challenge of specifying a building method that would match the contracted value of the Chinese system. Prefabrication was still the best option, but manufactured locally. A method of specified cold rolled steel, built as cassettes, was specified. With pre-line inspections taking place in the factory, this ensured a fast on-site assembly. Hierarchy Group was also able to refine the design layouts and hone the spatial efficiencies. Aesthetics were kept neutral but architectural features were accentuated with contrasting colour and materials. This resulted in a proportioned facade with a balanced street appeal. The project was successfully completed to time and budget.

Flock Hill Station approached Hierarchy Group to develop a series of Luxury Eco Cabins to promote tourism opportunities within the station, including bicycle tours and fishing excursions etc. The cluster of cabins has been established to capture key sightlines and the spectacular uninterrupted views up the valleys and rivers. Those guests lucky enough to experience the back-country Eco Cabins gain access by a 20min 4WD journey which meanders along the surrounding valleys and rivers. Upon approach the guest is welcomed by a central living quarters and common space which includes a kitchen, dining, living and various outdoor entertaining areas. Private bedroom cabins can be accessed via boardwalks through the high-country tussock. Inspired by the quintessential New Zealand back country hut and American log cabins, this contemporary take is designed around prefabrication techniques and panelisation to allow for fast assembly on site. The Cabins are 100% off grid and will feature integrated solar panels, a naturally fed spring water source and high performing, sustainably sourced building materials for optimal guest comfort year-round.

The Canterbury earthquake sequence damaged the ten apartments located on Rossall Street beyond repair. Hierarchy Group was engaged as the architects for the rebuild in a Design and Build Contract. Challenges included navigating the expectations of multiple owners along with the constraints of compliance with existing use rights. Situated in the heart of Merivale, there was a real opportunity to increase value by styling the design to fit it's surroundings. The building layouts were changed dramatically, opening up the living space to connect with the kitchen, allowing more light into the home and increasing the perception of volume. The main bathroom was relocated to the first floor and a living toilet was added to the ground. The laundry was also isolated on the ground floor and now had its own room. By reducing the roof pitch we were able to maximise the floor area and create an additional bedroom. The final result was a fresh contemporary design, finished in plaster and panel. It has a soft street presence layered by fencing and gardening.