Tairawhiti Museum

Our most recent projects for this long-standing client required a delicate touch with sympathy for the original Pilbrow design, and a strong connection between form and function. We are always honoured and slightly awed by the opportunity to work on the Tairāwhiti Museum, an architecturally awarded building by pre-eminent Gisborne architect Colin Pilbrow. Most recent projects for this longstanding client were to expand and revitalise the entranceway, and to create new international-standard galleries and an archive extension. Revitalising the entranceway prioritised light and a sense of welcoming and openness. Conversely, creating a new gallery and archive extension required a focus on the strict enclosure, atmospheric control, security, stability and a neutral canvas for the display of art and taonga. Both required a delicate touch with sympathy for the original Pilbrow design and a strong connection between form and function.