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Wondertree
AUS
Wondertree

Designing in the middle: where business travel meets family escape

ClientEmirates Leisure Retail
Studio team Melbourne, AUS
Wondertree at Auckland Airport was designed to walk a fine line — appealing to time-pressed business travellers without losing the warmth and theatricality that defines its sister brand, Giraffe.

That balance is delicate. Business guests expect clarity, calm, and efficiency. Families crave energy, ease, and a sense of welcome. The challenge is knowing where those expectations diverge — and where they can cleverly overlap.

At Harrison, we approached the design through three interconnected lenses: environment, offer, and service. These elements don’t work in isolation — they have to build off each other, seamlessly.

The result is a space that feels both composed and expressive. Clean architectural lines and strategic zoning provide clarity for solo travellers, while vibrant materials, curated moments of play, and a flexible menu keep things joyful for families. Behind it all is a tight operational spine — a hospitality platform built to deliver quickly, consistently, and with care.

Wondertree doesn’t compromise — it connects. And in a transient space like an airport, that’s what makes the difference.

It’s part logic, part instinct. You listen to what guests want, you read what they need then you design something that serves both, beautifully,

Kevin Grima Executive Director at Harrison

Wondertree’s façade balances openness with bold messaging — drawing travellers in through graphic energy and a clear guest promise: Eat. Drink. Travel Happy.

Let’s create something unforgettable

Fuelled by knowledge and imagination, we are driven by our ambition to evolve hospitality brands. 

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