Piha Cafe banner

Nestled into a hill close to the black volcanic sand of Piha Beach in the idyllic Waitakere Ranges, the Piha Cafe is designed to have minimal impact on the environment and has implemented sustainable practices such as food waste recycling and solar power as well as rainwater harvesting.

‘When you sit on the deck with that Piha view, kids playing on the grass, contented dogs tied up nearby, the cafe appeals as the symbol of something very different – the relaxed and pleasing heart of our version of civilisation – Piha has been enriched.’ – Metro magazine, March 2010

Photography: Sam Mahayni

DETAILS
CLIENT: PIHA CAFE
LOCATION: PIHA, NEW ZEALAND
FLOOR AREA: 192 SQ.M
PROGRAMME: HOSPITALITY
COLLABORATORS: MATERIAL CREATIVE AND NEW ZEALAND LOG HOMES
STATUS: COMPLETED DECEMBER 2013

TOA Architects
Auckland

About the
Professional

Moemoeā; to have a dream, to have a vision.

TOA, Tamaki Makaurau Office Architecture, is about Strength, Bravery and Cutting New Ground.

TOA approach architecture differently. We value the Tangata – People; Whenua – our Land and its history; Aroha – Heart; and Wairua – Spirit. These are the concepts that inspire our architecture. And TOA takes seriously its role as Kaitiaki - Guardians of our clients' and communities' projects, as well as the wider environment.

We believe in the significant influence the built environment has on our minds and our lives. Successful buildings go beyond providing shelter to contribute a delight that enriches our lives and enhances the landscapes buildings arise from.

"I te pō o tētahi rangi noa ake ka moemoeā a Kauhika, he whaea nō Te Rangi-kai-kore tēnei, he wahine moemoe hoki taua kuia / During the night of quite a different day, Kauhika, who was an aunt of Te Rangi-kai-kore, and a dreamer of dreams, had a vision."

- Journal of Polynesian Society, 1919:92