done

Done. is the first Regenerative Project Management company in Aotearoa. We integrate regenerative practice with our project management, design management, cultural and environmental service offerings. We work alongside people and place to regenerate the built and natural environment to a state of good health that thrives and improves over time.

Te Kura Whenua: Waikaremoana Visitor Centre.

CLIENT | Ngāi Tūhoe

OUR ROLE | Project Manager

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION |

• Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects - Ted McCoy Award for Education 2017

• Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects - National Architecture Award 2017

• Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects - Branch Award 2017

Te Kura Whenua, the Waikaremoana Visitors Centre nestles against the shores of Lake Waikaremoana in the heart of the remote Te Urewera rainforest.

The building is a focal point for the Waikaremoana community and visitors alike; housing space for local business, a cafe and information for visitors who travel to the area for the Great Lake Walk and other activities.

The remote build brought with it many challenges including a three-hour drive on a winding gravel road to access the site. There was no cell phone reception and the area is prone to heavy rainfall. These conditions called for a creative approach to delivery, very careful programming, risk management and prefabrication. In alignment with Tuhoe’s Living Building, Te Kura Whare, a steady eye was kept on materials to avoid red-list chemicals throughout the build.

The use of new materials was minimised by repurposing native timber ceiling sarking from the former Waikaremoana Visitor Centre which was dilapidated and deconstructed. This timber was re-used as flooring throughout.

An ancient yet innovative timber treatment process was used for the cladding timber. Instead of treating the timber with chemicals to protect it from the weather, the timber was charred following the Japanese Yakisugi technique. This resulted in a black, burnt texture which spoke to the scorched-earth policy - the military strategy which drove the people of Waikaremoana from their homes at the edge of the lake. This design decision helped to drive home the importance of Tūhoe returning home to the shores of Waikaremoana.