2024 Wellington Architecture Awards Winner
Toi MAHARA
The reworking of the original Waikanae Library building, designed in 1976 by Gabites, Alington & Edmondson, transforms it into a home for the gallery and archive, creating a cultural cornerstone that anchors Mahara Place. A series of architectural interventions deliver a new identity and acknowledge the geographic and cultural location. Central to the scheme’s success is a series of flexible spaces within a compact footprint. Despite its modest size, versatility allows the gallery to operate as a dynamic hub. The renovation supports operational cost efficiency, recognising the importance of financial sustainability for a small organisation. This thoughtful redesign not only revitalises the gallery, but also anticipates the rejuvenation of Waikanae’s civic heart, positioning it as a catalyst for urban revival.
- Practice
- Athfield Architects Limited
- Category
- Public Architecture
- Location
- Wellington