General Service

Tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Wānaka is a place where the inhabitants look forward to coming to work each day. General Service, which was originally brought to life as a practical solution to five friends’ diverse working needs, has now morphed into something bigger that they can share with those around them; a creative space that’s all about community, productivity and, importantly, lifestyle.

The bright orange words ‘A shared workspace for everyone’ beckon you inside, where the vibe is relaxed, fun and functional. Light and spacious, the fit-out realises the dream work environment of the five founders who carried out every aspect themselves, from design through to construction. Interesting bits and pieces are on display, artefacts with stories to tell, there to engage and inspire any lookers-on. There’s always music playing at the right level, so you can easily concentrate on the work at hand but also feel comfortable speaking at your desk. ‘Stuff happening’ as opposed to a pin-drop environment is the preference here.

A perforated steel wall divides the work zone from the rest of the space while maintaining overall openness. The chill zone is framed by plush couches, a beer fridge that the uninitiated would mistake for a filing cabinet, and the soft hues of timber with Stanley-green steel accents in the kitchen. In a nod to vintage machinery, that green was chosen (then and now) for its calming, ergonomic attributes; the orange dotted around also derives from machinery colour coding, indicating moving parts. In this instance, it’s undoubtedly referencing the brains in the building ticking over. Or perhaps the sliding door in the dividing wall, ever so perfectly weighted with a suspended spanner clamping a piece of steel.

From an in-house café to locker and shower facilities, General Service has everything a remote worker in Wānaka might need. Grab a morning brew and a freshly baked cookie from Alleyway, without having to leave the building. Nip out for a lunchtime bike or run along the lakefront, a stone’s throw away, then pop to one of the many nearby cafés for a nourishing feed. Or, repeat the pilgrimage from your desk to Alleyway for a cheesy toasted sandwich (don't skip the chilli oil) or a fresh sando on house-made focaccia.

If you want to look forward to going to work, even on Mondays, General Service is the place for you. Work hard, and have a good time doing it.