We were asked to provide a modern, welcoming reception area for students, parents and guests to the school for this new school in the Wigram area of Christchurch. The design and fitout inspiration for this project was drawn from the local surroundings of the school. The land was traditionally swamp and wetland and the connection with water and land is of great significance to the school, as reflected in the name. Therefore, water and nature were the main elements throughout the design. Curved soft seating was used to echo flowing water, natural wood grain tops were used to bring in elements of the riverbed while ottomans provided additional bright bursts of colour upholstered in blue and green hues.