The idea: Taking arrival as its theme

Located at the water’s edge, just a four-minute drive from Auckland Airport, Mānawa Bay is an upmarket shopping precinct designed for both locals and international travellers. To protect the interior and its visitors, designers Eclipse Architecture and TRCB selected ExtraTread entrance matting from Advance Flooring.

"The client, Auckland International Airport, wanted a unique retail destination that would enhance their brand," says Raymond Chung, director of Eclipse. "We captured that vision with local historical and cultural references, centred around the theme of 'arrival'. This concept is embodied in high-quality materials that create an immersive shopping experience."

The design: Combining the location and history

Mānawa Bay’s form and shape integrate seamlessly with the surroundings, drawing inspiration from the historical significance of the Manukau Harbour shoreline — one of the earliest sites of Māori settlement — as well as its contemporary connection to the airport.

"The building’s overall massing is inspired by the form of a waka — a symbol of Māori arrival — reflected in its elongated, slender shape that merges with the waterside landscape. The internal layout is designed around a figure-of-eight configuration to facilitate easy customer navigation, with three main entry points. At its heart, an eastern-facing dining terrace opens outward, blending the interior with the surrounding landscape and offering expansive views of the eastern shoreline."

The entryways are all protected by ExtraTread, a premium aluminium and carpet strip mat with extra-wide infills engineered for 37% greater water absorption compared to similar mats.

Raymond adds, "We chose ExtraTread because it balances durability with visitor comfort and safety. Its proven design accommodates high foot traffic, while its non-slip surface and moisture-absorbing properties protect the interiors from moisture, dirt and debris tracked in from outside."

The outcome: A unique addition to Auckland Airport

With 25,000m² of retail space housing over 100 major brands, a variety of eateries and an alfresco dining area overlooking the water, Mānawa Bay uses its location and design to create a standout addition to the Auckland Airport precinct.

"The vision was to create a premium outlet shopping destination that Kiwis could enjoy. With ExtraTread entrance matting, we know that no matter how many visitors it attracts, the heavy-duty protection will keep it clean, dry and safe for everyone."