2024 Western Architecture Awards Winner
Ko Tamawāhine
The design sets a new standard for modern wharekai, meeting the weight of history and lofty aspirations of the future, fulfilling its own role with style and without dominating the surrounding whare. Smartly incorporating materials and features from the original wharekai, the new rotating fins and façade lighting add an element of wow factor for approaching manuhiri. Inside, timber portals and plywood wall-and-ceiling linings provide a sense of warmth. Ringawera and kaimahi are not forgotten – a highly resolved layout ensures functionality and the south façade treatment respects their mahi. A truly considerate design process means Ko Tamawāhine can host for generations to come, helping continue Te Whiti’s instruction – E tū tama wahine i te wā o te kore.
- Practice
- Boon Limited
- Category
- Public Architecture
- Location
- Western
