Creative joinery designed by Studio 11:11 for Arepa Headquarters, using large timber plinths, brushed aluminium cupboards and joinery and a rich, red silk rug

ĀREPA HEADQUARTERS

Interior Design + Furniture & Object Styling

Morningside : New Zealand

Ārepa makes scientifically proven, natural brain food designed by a world-leading neuroscientist. This fast-growing New Zealand start-up has spent the last four years hot-desking around Auckland. In 2021, co-founders Angus Brown and Zachary Robinson decided it was time to have their own space, one that reflects their brand ethos, values and culture, and a space they could be proud of. They approached Studio 11:11 to create a tailored workplace in the newly developed The Chambers building in Morningside. The space would be for their team of 15 to work, host visitors and share the Ārepa journey. 

Studio 11:11 set out to design a space for the Ārepa whanau that encourages creativity, tranquillity and contentedness, a space to ‘Be Calm, Think Clear(ly)' in alignment with the company’s purpose. The intent was to create a space that evokes a positive physiological response in people who use it, specifically to reduce stress levels and enhance mental performance. This has been achieved by maximising the effect of natural light through use of light colours, transparency, textured surfaces and shadow. Importance has been placed on creating spaciousness by reducing visual noise and creating a functional space that caters to their needs as a company, with no clutter.

A blocky raw wooden plinth placed on a rich wine coloured rug with Arepa's marketing material displayed
The conference room at Arepa Headquarters. The minimal space uses a fabric pendant lamp above a minimal white table surround by a selection of vintage chairs, designed and styled by Studio 11:11
An airy communal space at the Arepa Headquarters. Research into the psychology of architecture was used to create a sense of wellbeing, using light curtains, soft finishes and subtle light sources

Ārepa works at the nexus between nature, neuroscience and cutting edge technology. In response to this, the interior design pairs natural, raw and rough cut materials next to hypermodern, sleek materials with a machine-made look.

Heavily textured walls, raw concrete and exposed timber ceilings create the bones of the space. Brushed aluminium joinery with highly refined detailing, machine precision edges and fine proportions sit comfortably next to solid rough sawn macrocarpa plinths in the entrance lobby. The lobby serves two purposes, it gives visitors a visual snapshot of the brand story and provides a space for staff to serve up a cold Ārepa to guests upon arrival.

A display at the Arepa Headquarters in New Zealand which includes a scientific beaker half full of berries, lit by a small steel wall sconce light
Custom aluminium joinery detail featured in Arepa Headquarters, interior design and styling by the designers at Studio 11:11
Soft fabric pendant lamp hanging above a minimal white table and hand carved antique wooden bowl, styled by Studio 11:11
A custom aluminium display cabinet designed by Studio 11:11 for Arepa to store their marketing material

Interior Design & Furniture Curation : Studio 11:11

Builder : Urry & Burgess Construction

Cabinetry : Saint Leo

Photographer : James K Lowe

The wind catching the soft fabric room dividers. In the foreground sits a grey sofa and warm brown throw, the background shows a conference room for Arepa Headquarters

The Commercial, Issue 10, October 2022 - Project Feature

Best Design Awards 2022 - Offices & Workplace Environments Gold Pin

Interior Awards, NZ 2022 - Winner of Workplace up to 1000m2

Contemporary aluminium built-in joinery with a small raw vase on the top