Zealong Tea worked with DLA Architects to create their new 3600m² processing, administration and visitor centre on Gordonton Road just north of Hamilton. The New Zealand company is the only commercial tea estate in the country and an innovator in the local industry. Starting in the 1990s with just 130 tea seedlings, the tea estate is now home to 1.2 million organically grown tea plants.

One of the feature spaces on the estate is an inspiring retail store with a soaring eight-metre stud called The Vista. Like a wine tasting room does for wine, the space is designed to sample the Zealong Tea collection and limited editions.

An all-white fit-out inspired by the theme ‘East meets West’, places the tea at the centre of the experience. White gloss floor tiles, tall white cabinetry and point of sale let the black tea packaging standing out as the hero and focus of the space.

To keep the floor as white, clean and safe as possible, Advance’s CoralTread entrance matting system is located immediately inside the main door to remove dust, dirt and moisture from the soles of shoes. Matched to the black window joinery, the overall black-and-white palette makes the space feel fresh, clean and minimal.

The Vista was shortlisted in the Germany-based 2018 Euroshop Retail Design Award, alongside the likes of the Adidas Store in Milan and New York’s MoMA Design Store.

Advance entry matting is also used at other main entry points in the building.