Westpac Riccarton

Design Description

Westpac Riccarton was a completely new branch for Westpac. Essentially they wanted to use the new mall branch model design that we had developed. However being a mall location and a Westfield mall brought much greater demands.

The branch is 200sqm in area and had to cater for 20 staff in 12 office/meeting spaces. As well as incorporating 4 customer service points, a self service automated banking suite and a online banking unit.

The corner site offered opportunities and challenges. A significant opportunity was to position the entry at the corner and open up the branch to the passing visitors but also maintain a sense of security and intimacy. Our solution was to locate a Online "pod" at the corner which "filtered" the openness/intimacy. Considerable effort went into creating attractive yet robust surfaces that can take knocks and remain attractive.

The design of the shopfront is a highlight of the project it is a "branded architectural statement" symbolizing Westpac as an innovative modern business and a good "Mall-Scape contributor".

Internally the branch consists of various zones which take customers from quick easy self service in a relatively open public space at the front, towards increasing levels of service assistance in private and secure spaces.

Materials and finishes change to reflect this transition from public open space to private intimate space. Public spaces use reflective materials to accentuate these spaces are about efficiency. Private spaces use more textured materials that accentuate comfort.

Graphic and signage devices and screens are integrated into the architecture which bring a dynamic personal touch to the design..

The budget for this branch was in keeping with other similar branches yet we managed to create an end product that looked like it had a substantially larger budget, which is truly a testament of excellent design.