By Esse Architects
Institutional Project
Winner of the NZ Wood – Timber Design Awards 2008
The design was to reflect the character and identity of Māori architectural typology; hence the architecture has a strong Polynesian character and relates to the Whakarewarewa.
The intricate timber detailing in the exterior roof canopy and interior spaces was to contemporise the traditional Māori language and achieve a degree of sustainability in the design.
Architecture is about the physical expression of the immaterial.
It emanates from a spiritual context. It is about people, relationships, life, and nature and how these interact in the creation of spaces, if they are to be meaningful to people.
We believe that Architecture is about the essence of things in making beautiful spaces that exude character and atmosphere – enhancing the intangible. It is about the creation of positive spaces that attract people and where people feel happy and comfortable to be.
The pursuit of timeless and relevant architecture lies at the heart of what our Esse architectural process embodies.