*Carbon Report by Capana Group, click the image to read the full report.*

Our new Water Innovation Hub was designed to be much more than a showroom. We wanted it to feel like the home of innovation in Aotearoa, a place where people can see what the future of sustainable construction looks like. That meant showcasing not only our own water solutions, but also the work of other leaders in recycled, low carbon, and circular building products.

Sustainability has always been a core value for Watersmart. Our Director, Andrew Olsen, has long been drawn to practical environmental solutions through his travels and industry experience. That curiosity and global perspective is what first brought products like Aquacomb and Hydraloop to New Zealand. So when it came time to design the Hub, using sustainable materials was never an afterthought. It was the starting point.

Designing for impact

The biggest challenge was getting the design right. Working closely with Capana Group, we went through multiple rounds of refining and rethinking until we found solutions that were both carbon neutral and realistic within a commercial budget. A key priority was reducing plastic waste and choosing materials that extend their life through reuse or recyclability.

This led us to a range of standout suppliers and products, including:

• Critical Cleanstone panels made from 100 percent recycled plastic, featured in our kitchen benchtops, island, and bathroom ceiling.
• SaveBOARD wall linings created from shredded and compressed composite packaging.
• Dsorb acoustic panels that are glue free, removable, and recyclable at end of life.
• Solar Hub’s EV charging solution, powered by solar energy for long term operational sustainability.
• Polishing and reusing the existing concrete floor to avoid unnecessary waste.

Photography by Cara Graham Photography

A space that makes people think differently

The first thing people notice when they enter the Hub is the permeable Porous Lane patio at the front, a full scale example of what recycled rubber surfacing can look and feel like. Once inside, their attention goes straight to the Critical Cleanstone countertops and textured SaveBOARD walls. Seeing these materials applied at scale helps visitors visualise what’s possible in their own projects.

Feedback from our opening event reflected this strongly. Guests appreciated not just the aesthetic, but the chance to explore multiple sustainable solutions in one place. Many said the Hub sparked new ideas and made them think more critically about how they approach design and construction.

Looking ahead

This Hub is only the beginning. Our next step is to open the space for industry and community education, hosting workshops, tours, and conversations that support better long term decision making. With an 86 percent whole of life carbon reduction achieved through this fitout, we hope the Hub becomes a practical example of what can be done when purpose, innovation, and sustainability guide the brief.

Building a Home for Sustainable Innovation

Celebrating the opening of our new Water Innovation Hub