From the interior designer:

Over time, The CAB in downtown Auckland has become a true Modernist icon.

The building has undergone adaptive reuse with an all new exterior façade and total interior refurbishment using modern materials all faithfully executed to its A-list heritage.

The brief was to celebrate this landmark structure which has a place in architectural history as the country’s first ‘skyscraper’, and to design spaces that optimise the natural light and vista while at the same time creating a sanctuary in the city – it was ultimately about finding balance.

Through ideas, creative renders and final design implementation, the brief has been more than satisfied.

Each apartment is anchored by spacious bedrooms, which have been positioned to enhance views and capture daylight.

Bespoke fixtures and fittings were selected by Josephine Design to enhance the Modernist aesthetic of The CAB.

Buyers were given the opportunity to tailor their home to their taste with a personalised choices of materials, colours and textures for kitchen and bathroom areas.

This collaborative process enabled them to feel part of some of the overall design decisions in creating their new home.

A feeling of elegant flow and timeless design were created by utilising high quality materials and minimising transitional spaces – creating generous dimensions and flowing floor plans.

Floor to ceiling glass coupled with large loggias create indoor/outdoor flow and this all contributes to the overall sense of luxury.

The shared spaces in The CAB all formed an important part of the design brief and have received just as much attention.

A dedicated Civic Quarter resident amenity space was created on a lower level that incorporated a heated pool, gym and residents lounge with big screen tv, pool table and other activities.

Staying true to the original aesthetic and materials, Josephine Design incorporated recycled kauri in the lounge from the original auditorium and the original steel & aggregate staircase has been kept in a further nod to the Modern international style of the building.

In addition, the path of travel from the building’s front door to the residents’ own front doors was well considered.

The entrance lobby features bespoke lighting and a custom installation of glass birds by renowned New Zealand glass artist Luke Jacomb.

In respect of the hallways, Josephine Design engaged Shane and Luanne Cotton as artistic consultants to enhance and ensure the cultural and creative elements of The CAB and Civic Quarter were richly articulated.

This went on to inform major pieces of design work that were collaborated on in the form of a one-of-a-kind carpet design throughout the common areas that tells the story of the Waihoritiu stream that flows underneath the area.

This storytelling creates an individualistic link to The CAB’s cultural surroundings.

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