Upholding our belief that creativity flourishes in beautiful spaces, we crafted Punawai to enrich the creative process of music production.

The building nestles into a small shady tree lined site where it looks to blend into this natural setting – becoming a treehouse – with curving form, green roof and soft timber cladding. The form of the building responds to the site, curving around the trees, with the studios looking out into nature with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a large circular skylight in the centre of the building capturing the leafy canopy and dappled sunlight.

The name Punawai, crafted by Kristin’s kaumātua, Kereama Nathan, reflects the buildings purpose as a source of musical knowledge and refers to the flowing of music from performer to listener, as well as the curving natural form of the building.

The six individual music studios within Punawai are meticulously designed to ensure optimal soundproofing, allowing for simultaneous use without interference from competing sounds. This attention to acoustic detail is complemented by the building's large central atrium, a welcoming space with comfortable seating where students can gather, relax, and prepare for their lessons.

Nick Duirs, Head of Performing Arts, speaks to the transformative impact Punawai has had on the music department:

"The opening of our stunning new building has instantly transformed the music teaching and learning experiences taking place in our itinerant programmes. The attention to detail and investment in a combination of contemporary interior design with future-proof technology, sound-proofing, natural light and climate control means that teachers and students can work with focus and comfort, leading to the very best outcomes. The space itself allows for transparency, collaboration, and connection between the students and teachers who work in each of the six rooms. The students love seeing who's playing what and also dreaming about which instrument they might pick up in the future."

Sustainability was a cornerstone of Punawai's design, in keeping with Kristins status as a Green-Gold Enviroschool. The building features a ‘green roof’ planted with native vegetation, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to sustainable water management by allowing for slow runoff. The entire construction process was guided by environmental responsibility: 100% of the demolition material was recycled, low-impact concrete was used for the foundations, and responsibly sourced certified timber was employed throughout the building. The insulation itself is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, being made from nearly 12,000 recycled plastic bottles.

At night, Punawai transforms into a beacon of light, with energy-efficient lighting that highlights the building's design and continues its theme of transparency and openness. This attention to both day and night aesthetics ensures that Punawai is not only functional but also a striking addition to the campus, visible and vibrant at all times.

The project has been a collaborative effort from the start, involving architects, engineers, and the entire Kristin community. Director of Business Services, Nigel Wilkinson, captures the spirit of this collaboration:

"It is really rewarding to see Punawai open and being used by many of our talented students. Everyone involved in the project has done an amazing job, especially as it was a challenging piece of architecture to bring to life. Thanks must go out to Smith Architects, Markplan Consulting Ltd - Structural & Civil Engineering, Kwanto QS and Project Management, N. Cole Construction and Marshall Day Acoustics, as well as to the entire Kristin community for their support in creating this beautiful facility. It will inspire our students and their musical endeavors for many years to come."