BNZ Network

Working with the research team at Perceptive, we helped gather emotional data from BNZ's customers and frontline staff. This was then combined into seven key principals that informed a fit-for-purpose, future-focused design platform that we tested on the first six prototype branches.

The overarching physical design strategy hinged off the brand work underway, defined by the unique Aotearoa star constellation - Te Pae Māhutonga.

The navigational cluster was overlaid onto the physical journey, helping to inform the BNZ mantra of 'Digital first, human when it matters'. All transactional banking needs are met with a dynamic, 24hr secure zone which is the first touch point for customers wanting expeditious digital transactions. This was then balanced by an unmissable human touch point centered on the customer pathway, surrounded by an over-sized curved digital screen and an overhead beacon.

The Māhutonga's long axis runs from the entrance to the meeting rooms, while the short axis leads customers to the ancillary spaces defined by work, meet and connect. The central 'hinge' is the 3D printed Welcome Hub, where customers are greeted by friendly local staff.

The new BNZ prototype branches have many ground-breaking ideas, including a laser focus on wellbeing through the use of local natural finishes and products, such as natural wool acoustic panels on the walls, wool carpet tiles and furnishings from local mills, local Macrocarpa veneer and saveBOARD to replace plasterboard. 

The meeting rooms are pre-fabricated with standardised panels formed from accoustic wool and re-constructed on site, minimising material wastage and time cost.

We partnered with unique New Zealand start up businesses such as Critical and Special Studio to help develop capability and supply of recycled products alongside future tech and 3D printing.