Te Whare Nui, Scion Innovation Hub

Te Whare Nui, Scion Innovation Hub banner
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Located within Whakarewarewa Forest Park in Rotorua, Scion is a Crown research institute that specialises in the research and development of technologies for the forestry and biomaterial sectors.
Machine-routed carving, designed by local carver Grant Marunui, adorns the 'triple peak' entrance to the centre.
The 'triple peak' entrance is representative of and pays homage to the three hapū of the area—Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu.
The fritted pattern on the glazing has been designed to resemble the neighbouring leaf canopy—a metaphorical forest.
Once inside, the true nature of the diagrid pattern is revealed in what the architects refer to as a 'wow' moment.
World-first innovation has been built into the building in the form of the cross-banded LVL interstitial nodes, which were originally to be manufactured from steel. Structural Engineer Alistair Cattanach of Dunning Thornton spent three months on analysis
Other than the glazing, the only non-timber materials used in the building are the concrete around the perimeter and some steel in the cantilevered landings. The floor is cork tile over a floating substrate.
The reception desk is made from layers of ply that have been CNC cut and then assembled into a solid whole.

About the
Professional

RTA Studio has received more than 60 New Zealand and international awards, including Home of The Year, a World Architecture Festival category win and the New Zealand Architecture Medal.

Richard Naish founded RTA Studio in 1999 after a successful career with top practices in London and Auckland. We are a practice that focuses on delivering exceptional design with a considered and personal service. Our work aims to make a lasting contribution to the urban and natural context by challenging, provoking and delighting.

Our studio is constantly working within the realms of public, commercial and urban design as well as sensitive residential projects. We are committed to a sustainable built environment and are at the forefront developing carbon neutral buildings.

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RTA Studio
RTA Studio

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