PROJECT

South Bloc

CLIENT

Fonterra

Our team gets results:

Jacob Bray - Project Director | Waikato Lead

Rebecca Featherstone - Project Manager

Fonterra South Bloc

Fonterra is a cooperative committed to sustainability. An opportunity was recognised to enhance their Waikato workplace, leading to the creation of the South Bloc fitout project. The project, which revitalised 1,800m² across two floors, marks the first phase of a broader plan to unify Fonterra's Hamilton offices with a cohesive brand strategy.

The project team consisted of The Building Intelligence Group, Chow:Hill, Designwell, BECA, Maltbys, OnFire, Marshall Day, and Livingstone Building.

Through extensive consultation with Fonterra staff, local iwi, and design teams, the project ensured community involvement and fostered a culture of collaboration. Inspired by the Waikato region, the design incorporates materials and elements that echo the area’s natural beauty. Each floor features a unique material palette, and a bespoke “brand wall” highlights Fonterra’s community projects. Custom graphics throughout the fitout strengthen connections to the region.

Recycled, durable, and locally sourced materials were prioritised to align with Fonterra’s long term sustainability commitments. Innovative benchtops made from recycled plastic waste otherwise destined for landfill. Collaborations with local fabricators ensured these materials reflected the cultural narrative of Waikato. Sustainability extended beyond design to construction, where the project team achieved an 88.15% waste diversion rate, far surpassing the initial 70% target.

The result is a consciously designed space which supports collaboration and innovation among over 200 local team members while fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.

What really impressed us was how seamlessly the team worked together. They acted as one, tackling any challenges without hesitation and maintaining the same high level of quality and attention to detail throughout. We felt our vision was not only understood but embraced, and the whole process felt smooth, despite the inevitable bumps along the way. The trust we placed in the team was well-founded, and we came out of the project with a clear sense of what a successful collaboration should be.

Gail Calder, General Manager, Group Property, Fonterra