Challenges included bringing two previously separate Daikin teams under one roof in a creative, professional space, and ensuring that space had a distinct New Zealand flavour, while respecting the company’s global core values and branding.

Daikin has a proud 100-year history and was founded in Japan in 1924. They pride themselves on finding the best solutions region to region, country to country which are innovative, sustainable, comfortable, and individually tailored for the conditions. The quest for comfort and security for all needed to be reflected in the space, but somehow infused across practical, creative working spaces.

Daikin aimed to make their team feel engaged, valued and energised by the spaces they were spending their work days in.

Initially, the mezzanine floor of the space existed only in architectural plans, so planning for the collaboration space and about 40 desks to be housed there meant thinking creatively, and being flexible during actual install.

Envelope Creative’s brief included managing the entire fitout process including supplier liaison, management of timelines, install of furniture, visuals and other soft furnishings, and creative design input to ensure Daikin’s brand identity was central to the new space.

Envelope Creative’s team relished the unique challenges which faced them with bringing the new Daikin New Zealand headquarters to life.

A stunning customised moss map of New Zealand on the wall on the stairs to the mezzanine floor is a constant reminder to keep sustainability and underlined pride in our unique, beautiful country. Crafted one moss piece at a time, it is a show-stopper and a unique piece.

Taking Daikin’s values from simple frames of white paper on the wall, to ensuring they are front and centre through acoustic panels in the company’s key colours was one way to ensure staff are living and working, literally among those values. Neon signage of Daikin values  bring the colour downstairs.

Envelope Creative ensured ongoing flexibility and innovation during fit-out by being on site during the process, and available to address challenges or concerns.

Chat chairs in quiet spaces. The colours of Daikin and the colours of New Zealand entwined and combined. Frosted glass and acoustic leaf cutouts to ensure privacy as well as retaining connection between team members.

Envelope Creative used all their innovative energy to ensure the Daikin goal of underlining a fresh sense of collaboration between two offices who were previously primarily communicating online was met. Daikin wanted a sense of belonging and a feeling of community – Envelope Creative delivered through imaginative space creation highlighting global values as well as local nuances.

In the staff space, a large Kiwiana mural meets Japanese heritage, with kowhai and cherry blossoms, and intense shades of blues like ocean between Japan and New Zealand. A large speech bubble duals as a whiteboard for writing staff messages and celebrations. 

A collaboration area to help foster good work chats, collaboration seating peppered throughout the office space with curated quiet spaces for those looking to have a chat, are also highlights.

Forward thinking, creative and comfortable. Team Daikin and Team Envelope Creative. #collab