After almost 20 years in a workspace that had grown organically around their needs, Marshall Day Acoustics moved into a purpose-built office on Auckland’s harbour waterfront. More than just a change of location, the move signalled a cultural evolution for New Zealand’s leading acoustic engineering firm.
Cachet was engaged to design and deliver a workplace that would support both the specialised nature of their work and their evolving company culture. The new space was shaped as much by how it feels as by how it functions – creating a calm, connected environment for a team of around 20, where technical focus and social connection can coexist.
At the heart of the office is the Listening Room – a bespoke testing space that allows clients to experience simulated acoustic environments, from concert halls to classrooms. Creating this room required technical precision, with layered construction detailing and multiple design iterations to ensure uncompromising acoustic performance. The final result is a minimal, immersive space reminiscent of a small theatre—designed meticulously from the inside out.
The broader design concept drew inspiration from the classic New Zealand bach—a relaxed, coastal retreat. A palette of green tones, warm timber finishes, and natural textures brings softness and familiarity, while custom acoustic panels feature waveforms and topographic patterns that reflect how sound moves, changes, and even affects marine life—tying directly into the firm’s ethos and work.
Breakout areas are open and strategically placed, designed to flex between casual lunches and town hall meetings. Architectural focal points and ceiling features guide the layout, balancing visual interest with high-performance acoustics.
Marshall Day’s partnership with Cachet continues through Cachet Care, ensuring the space performs as beautifully as it looks.
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