Te Kakano was the first step in the realisation of the Hundertwasser Art Centre. The HAC was Hundertwasser’s vision to see an unused building on the Hatea loop reinvigorated by the application of significant interventions that represent the building “living in harmony with nature”. This sculptural piece of architecture served as a test bed for future design elements including materials and construction. To insert this object into one of the main attractions in Whangārei is an exceptional achievement, thanks to the vision and perseverance of many volunteers.

In respecting the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, it was decided to use the form of a koru (Flag for NZ 1983). HB Architecture took the design a step further and based the geometry of the architectural sculpture on the golden mean/ratio – this was significant as the form of the structure represented a universal idea. Careful attention to detail was required throughout the design and construction process. All aspects of the design were reviewed by the Foundation’s representative in NZ and then approved by the Hundertwasser Foundation in Vienna.