If you want to future-proof your designs and win awards — this project shows you how.
WATCH VIDEO
Chow:Hill and Designwell were asked to reimagine Fonterra’s Southbloc fit-out in Kirikiriroa.
What they created just won an Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects - Auckland Branch Local Projects Award.
And for good reason.
Two floors.
Six spaces.
One of the biggest brands in Aotearoa.
But this wasn’t just an office.
It was a story — grounded in place, purpose and material honesty.
The design draws from the Waikato.
Natural light. Local materials. Cultural cues that aren’t token, but thoughtful.
And Cleanstone?
It’s there too — used where it counts:
The reception counter, made from Fonterra’s own Anchor milk bottles
The kitchen island benchtop
Every bathroom surface
All made from 100% recycled plastic — including soft packaging and fishing nets. No coatings. Just solid, low-carbon materials built to last.
This wasn’t a visual-only win. It was a values-led one.
And it proves that award-winning design isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about asking better questions:
What does this space say about who we are?
Will it last longer than the lease?
What story do the materials tell?
Ngā mihi nui Chow:Hill Architects, Alexander Wastney, the Designwell team and Fonterra.
You fullas' didn’t just raise the bar — you showed others how to meet it.
If you’re working on your next commercial space and want materials that back your kaupapa, I'd love to kōrero.
You can grab your samples pack at criticaldesign.nz
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