Beca’s new 14,000m² headquarters in Wynyard Quarter is spread across three buildings joined by air bridges, creating an interconnected workplace owned by Precinct that supports collaboration and new ways of working. The 6-star Green Star building has a 5-Star NABERSNZ energy rating. Beca is also targeting Platinum WELL Certification for its fitout. Sustainability, energy-efficiency and employee wellbeing were central to the design. Zenith Water delivered a tailored suite of water systems across the building, contributing to employee comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability. 

The new headquarters is designed to meet 70% occupancy for a team of around 1,400 Auckland-based staff. A key focus for the design, in line with Beca’s Workplace Strategy, was creating vibrant, flexible common areas that would encourage collaboration between teams and with clients, and support wellbeing through accessible high-quality shared amenities.

“We put together a Workplace Strategy a few years ago, which talks about flexible working, occupancy numbers, sustainability, WELL design and providing different types of work experiences, such as quiet spots for when you need to focus and flexible ergonomic work stations for when you want to sit with others,” explains Azin McLeish, Group Property Manager - Workplace Assets & Experience at Beca. 

“One of the things we were trying to do to support employee wellbeing is not have people eating at desks. So we’ve built two really large Heart Spaces – kitchen and dining areas on levels 3 and 4 of the building – where we’ve got views of the harbour, and we encourage everyone to go to those spaces to have their lunch. In each of these areas we’ve got a full kitchen with toasters; microwaves; toasted sandwich makers; dishwashers; coffee machines; and chilled and boiling filtered water taps.

“Then, on each floor we’ve got several tea points. Each tea point has a coffee machine; dishwasher; mugs and glasses; and hydration stations with chilled and boiling filtered,” Azin says. “And then the last area where we needed drinking water taps is the wellness suites which include a medical room; a retreat space for those who need a break from the noise and bright lights of an open-plan office, such as employees who are neurodivergent or recovering from a concussion for example; a multi-faith room for prayer; and a parents’ room which includes a kitchen with chilled and boiling filtered water.”

Providing the right drinking water system with the right capacity for each space was crucial. It was also important that the systems align with the building’s sustainability targets while being durable and low maintenance. Zenith Water’s energy-efficient chilled and boiling water systems were a fitting choice. The systems are backed by an EPD that confirms compliance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, and the ability to contribute to Green Star projects. 

Zenith Water’s proven experience in delivering on large complex projects brought added peace of mind. “One of the reasons we selected them is that they’re a reputable brand, and they have good feedback from clients of other fit-outs,” Azin says. “We needed products that were high-quality with commercial longevity, and we needed a company that would be around to help us out if anything goes wrong.”

Lead designers Warren and Mahoney worked with Zenith Water to specify the right water systems for each space, looking at occupancy and the use of each space to determine the right sized unit and specification. 

One of the key specifications is the Zenith HydroTap G5 in a 4-in-1 configuration, which was specified in a chrome finish for 19 areas across the building including in kitchens and hydration stations. This smart solution provides filtered Boiling & Chilled filtered drinking water, with a separate mixer tap for Hot & Cold unfiltered water for the normal sink tap. As the HydroTap generates the hot water for the mixer tap, it eliminates the need for a separate hot water service to that location. With three energy saving modes including ON/OFF timers and a sensor-activated quiet mode, it is an energy-efficient option perfect for office spaces. 

The HydroTap range features independently tested 0.2 Micron MicroPurity Filters. It is the first filtered water Multi-Functional Tap (MFT) product globally to be listed on the Living Future Institute Declare platform, and the first to have earned the Works with WELL mark through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

In addition to HydroTaps throughout, two higher-capacity units were specified for the servery kitchen — a Zenith HydroChill unit which dispenses up to 90 litres of filtered, chilled, ambient or sparkling water per hour, and a Zenith AutoBoil unit with 7.5 litre capacity.

Once specifications were finalised, Beca procured the products ready for install within a tight installation programme. “We had to procure early to meet lead times and integration requirements across the floors,” Azin says. “Products were procured direct by Beca and free-issued to our fitout contractor Savory for installation in accordance with their staged fitout programme.” 

The Beca team were pleased with Zenith Water’s support with installation and commissioning within the fit-out programme – a collaborative supplier approach which contributed to the success of the project. They also appreciated assistance with maintenance considerations, and the seamless ongoing assistance Zenith Water provides through their Hydrocare servicing programme.

The finished headquarters is a modern, flexible workplace with wellbeing, sustainability and user experience at the heart of the design. The Zenith Water systems ensure easy access to filtered hot and cold water throughout the building, and have contributed the water quality, energy-efficiency and sustainability needed for the Platinum WELL Certification, 6 Star Green Star and a 5-Star NABERSNZ energy rating Beca is targeting. 

“Overall, we’re very pleased with how the systems have integrated into the workplace design and the value they provide to our people on a day-to-day basis,” Azin says. “The inclusion of integrated drinking water systems contributes to the overall success of the space by providing simple, everyday functionality that enhances how people use and experience the workplace.”