The idea: People well-being across environment and experiences

The Tauranga City Council building at 90 Devonport Road sets a new standard in sustainable construction and design. Designed by Warren and Mahoney, it is New Zealand’s largest mass-timber office building, targeting 6 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERSNZ ratings, and targeting a 100% reduction in embodied carbon. The vision was to create a high-performing, connected workplace for Tauranga City Council that would encourage staff to come together in one central location — a place of safe anchorage for all people and cultures.

The architects specified CoralTread architectural entrance matting for the main entrance, and tretford and Interweave carpets from Advance Flooring for the council offices interior fit-out.

For the interior fit-out, the design was driven by a deep focus on the international WELL Building Standard. "WELL extends beyond the physical space," says Warren and Mahoney senior associate Arron O’Hagan. "It’s about creating a healthy workplace for well-being and ensuring material selection, building management and internal policies align with these principles."

From a materials perspective, this meant flooring with no PVC, low embodied carbon, and durability to last over 25 years.

The design: The qualities of nature expressed in sustainable flooring

The design narrative takes inspiration from the pōhutukawa tree. Timber tones on lower levels transition into deeper blues, greens and, at the upper floors, reds that reference the flowers.

"The design connection was key in every detail. We’ve worked with tretford for many years — it’s a well-established product with a premium feel," says Arron. "We used tretford carpet tiles in a deep red wine colour — Rose Sunset — for high-spec areas, both for aesthetics and for its proven sustainability credentials."

"For a more contemporary look, we chose Interweave planks for their tactile woven texture, which aligned with our concept of weaving and connecting. It was a new product for us, but it had to be versatile and durable, and fit the design language. Interweave’s neutral tones blended with the palette and worked across different parts of the building."

Protecting the building main entrance, Declare- and Global Green Tag-certified CoralTread entrance matting traps dirt and moisture at the door, making for a safer, healthier workplace and protecting the appearance of interior flooring.

The outcome: A measured approach to performance and well-being

The interior of 90 Devonport Road is aligned with the WELL Building Standard, focusing on factors that influence health and well-being. Advance Flooring products support these goals with durable, low impact surfaces that contribute to comfort, healthy interiors and durability over time.

"It’s not about ticking boxes," says Arron. "It’s about making sure the building works in harmony with people and the environment. We’re creating spaces that not only look good but actively improve quality of life for occupants and the wider community."