MediaWorks

Passive Fire Protection for an Old Warehouse Turned Media House

Contractor: Hawkins

When MediaWorks brought eight radio brands together under one roof, they needed a space that could handle creativity, people, and high-level technical demands – all inside a converted city-fringe warehouse. With more than 400 staff moving through the building daily and 16 premium broadcast studios (including stacked, side-by-side and paired configurations), fire compliance needed to be airtight from day one.

Passive Fire NZ was engaged early to help shape the transformation. Our team worked closely with Hawkins and the wider design group to map out how passive fire systems would integrate into a highly exposed, design-driven environment – without interrupting the industrial character the architects wanted to showcase.

We delivered tailored solutions across the entire development, including:

• Protecting the new mezzanine floor and its exposed steel structure
• Firestopping penetrations in complex studio layouts where acoustics, cabling and services all compete for space
• Integrating compliant systems around open ceilings, suspended services and feature timber elements
• Ensuring all fire protection details aligned with the demanding technical requirements of a modern media production hub

The challenge wasn’t only about compliance – it was about making everything work together: performance, aesthetics, sound isolation, and the fast-paced operation of a national media company.

By combining smart planning with trade-ready detail, Passive Fire NZ helped MediaWorks safely amplify its creative energy, delivering a space that blends safety, style and broadcast-level performance.