Città Commercial: Project Feature of CASA

Renowned for its high-end interior design and commercial construction, CASA transforms new and heritage spaces into striking, innovative environments. At Città, CASA helped bring our Grey Lynn flagship store to life—thoughtfully sourcing stone and timber to craft bespoke point-of-sale displays and showcases throughout the store. 

Recently, it was CASA’s turn to shift the focus onto itself. The team designed their office and social space within a historic Parnell building, blending contemporary design with the building’s rich character. We spoke with CASA Business Development Manager Ryan Flaxman to learn more about the project.

Can you tell us about the building itself—its history, character, and unique features?

The Faraday Street office sits within a beautiful old warehouse in Parnell—a building layered with stories. It began life as a textiles mill room and, more recently, was home to Red Rabbit Coffee Roastery & Café. You can still feel that energy in the bones of the space—the patina of years, the softness of the brick, the imperfections that give it warmth.

When we found it, we were struck by how much of the building’s history was still visible. Our approach was to tread lightly—to keep the scars, the slumped brickwork, and the uneven lines intact, and to gently coax it into its next era rather than overwrite it. The result is a space that carries forward its industrial past while offering something quietly refined and contemporary.

What was the design brief for the project?

CASA has grown rapidly over the past few years, and we needed a home that could keep pace with that—a space that would propel our team forward, showcase our craft, and set the tone for the work we deliver.

The brief was about making the most of the existing warehouse, using its raw character as a foundation for something deeply personal and deliberate. We divided the plan into two halves: a private rear zone for our project managers and quantity surveyors to focus, and a front half designed for connection, hospitality, and energy.

Ultimately, we wanted to create a space that steadies the rhythm of a busy construction practice, balancing intensity with ease—a home base that feels both considered and alive.

What materials, textures, or design references shaped your approach?

Our approach was shaped by a rich, moody palette and a commitment to materials with soul—guided by Buster from Wonder Group, who led the design. Together, we leaned into finishes that feel honest, time-worn, and crafted, resisting anything too off-the-shelf.

The salvaged timber flooring—pitted with old nail holes and marks from its previous life—gives the office a grounded, time-worn character. Shoji-inspired rice-paper screens bring order and rhythm to the space, helping to define thresholds while diffusing light softly through the plan. Deep umber timbers and pale travertine act as contrasting notes, catching light and keeping the environment warm and human.

Our influences ranged from Japanese order and Nordic restraint to European coastal understatement, but always filtered through an Aotearoa lens. We worked with local materials and craftspeople wherever possible—Oamaru stone steps, native timber flooring, and New Zealand wool acoustic treatments—to ground the space in our place.

How do you see the space being used?

We designed the office to hold both focus and festivity—a place where work and life can coexist seamlessly.

The rear half is quiet and purposeful, connected softly to a courtyard that offers space for a reset during the day. The front half, known as CASABELLA, flips the energy entirely. It’s an open, generous event space designed for long lunches, client gatherings, late-night celebrations, and everything in between.

It’s a setting that embodies our culture—work hard, play hard, but always with intention. CASABELLA allows us to host our community, celebrate milestones, and keep creativity and connection at the core of how we operate.

How did Città’s furniture support or enhance your vision for the space?

Città’s furniture played a key role in strengthening the narrative we wanted to express through CASABELLA and the wider Faraday Street office. For us, the project was always about crafting an environment that feels distinctly CASA—grounded, thoughtful, and quietly confident. Città’s pieces helped us articulate that story with more clarity and intention.

Their furniture brings a sense of warm modernity that complements the rawness of the warehouse and the handcrafted elements woven throughout the fit-out. The materiality, proportions, and tactile qualities of their pieces align with our commitment to honest craftsmanship and considered detail, reinforcing the balance between intensity and ease that defines the space.

In the end, their furniture feels seamlessly integrated into the architecture, helping us build a cohesive narrative that speaks to who we are as a practice and the kind of work we strive to deliver.

Featured products: Trace Stool, Point Floor Lamp, Column Coffee Table, Radial Round Dining Table, Bough Dining Chair.

Interior design: Wonder Group

Photographer: Jono Parker

Location: CASA, 7 Faraday Street, Parnell, Auckland.

CASABELLA is available to hire as a private venue—ideal for intimate celebrations, product launches, and bespoke events. Visit their website to learn more.