A high-traffic public space with strict aviation security requirements, the furniture needed to do far more than look good — it had to be highly functional, safe, durable and adaptable.
The Queenstown Airport Terminal Lounge is thoughtfully designed by Undercurrent to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for visitors and travelers. We sat down with Liv Pierce, Director at Undercurrent to discuss the project.
“From the early concept stages, Harrows worked closely with us to develop tailored furniture solutions that responded to the unique demands of an airport environment. A core part of the brief was ensuring the seating design eliminated cavities or spaces where items could be hidden or lost, while also allowing for easy, hygienic cleaning. Harrows’ design flexibility and technical expertise enabled us to meet these requirements without compromising on comfort or aesthetic quality.
The use of textured timber tones, sustainable materials like Marmoleum, and custom powder coat finishes and upholstery helped us establish a warm, natural, and distinctly local design language — one that felt grounded in place and aligned with our original concept. Their ability to manufacture locally in the South Island was another significant advantage.
Beyond meeting our technical and security specifications, the furniture also supported wider functional goals — enhancing circulation, maximising seating capacity, and encouraging retail engagement to help drive ROI. Each piece was robust, low-maintenance, and could be fixed to the floor if needed, ensuring flexibility for future airport expansion.
Harrows consistently delivered on time across both the Domestic and International terminals, even accommodating installations during overnight airport shutdowns — a true testament to their professionalism and commitment. We’re proud of what we created together with the airport team.”
The new furniture is inviting, comfortable and, importantly, durable. By collaborating with Harrows, we’ve created a variety of dwell spaces, improved the customer experience, and introduced more seating.
