Wellington District Court judges’ common room

We refurbished the judges’ common room on level 7 of the Wellington District Court building, installing a new kitchen, flooring, light fittings, storage and shelving units, plus a full repaint of the walls and ceilings. The fitout included bespoke joinery and high-end finishes, requiring close coordination with trades to achieve a seamless result.

Working in a live courthouse meant we had to be mindful of noise, access and security. With court proceedings requiring complete silence at certain times, we coordinated closely with court staff to schedule noisy work outside court hours, often working early in the morning, late in the evening or over the weekend.

We ensured that movement of materials and personnel was discreet, planning deliveries during low-traffic times and moving materials up the stairwell with a custom hoist in the awkward, triangular shaped space. The nature of the building demanded a high level of discretion and respect for security protocols, with all workers inducted with these expectations, and clear communication maintained with the court security teams.

The team considered sustainability initiatives
despite the many constraints on the site, with careful waste management, existing fixtures and fittings repurposed where possible, materials ordered to minimise excess, and local suppliers prioritised.

The completed common room provides a modern, comfortable and flexible space.