Wondertree

Wondertree’s concept was built around the feeling of dining within a lush, natural environment, with layered greenery, organic forms and an open kitchen creating a sense of escape from the terminal around it. For Auckland, that established design language needed to be adapted for a new market and a new tenancy rather than simply reproduced.

The airport environment introduced significant constraints. The restaurant needed to accommodate families, groups, couples and solo travellers within the same footprint, while maintaining clear sightlines to flight information and the airstrip. Most significantly, nothing could be fixed to the ceiling, removing one of the original concept’s key devices for creating the impression of a forest canopy.

Greater Group translated Harrison’s concept into detailed documentation and specification for local delivery, resolving the original design against the physical and operational requirements of Auckland Airport. When the ceiling feature could not be installed as intended, the design was reworked from the ground up. Tree-like arches and architectural panels create the sense of enclosure and canopy without relying on suspended structures, while also concealing columns and integrating requirements such as sprinklers and ventilation.

The planning was equally responsive to the airport context. Long benches accommodate families and larger groups, higher bar settings suit solo travellers, booths overlook the airstrip and individual seating along the lease line maintains views to flight information displays. Power was integrated into fixed furniture for travellers charging devices, while the open kitchen became a central piece of theatre within the restaurant.

The completed restaurant retains the immersive, nature-led experience of Wondertree while responding specifically to the realities of its Auckland Airport location. The forest concept is carried through architectural elements, greenery and materiality, but the way those elements are constructed and integrated was redesigned around the constraints of the tenancy.

The result is not a direct reproduction of an overseas format, but a locally resolved version of the same brand experience. Greater Group’s documentation, specification and local procurement allowed Wondertree’s established concept to make the transition into a new market while accommodating airport infrastructure, different traveller needs and local delivery requirements