Chow:Hill’s design of Te Puna o Waikato, Trust Waikato’s headquarters, was recognised for its integration of contemporary, cultural and historical influences.

The location of Te Puna o Waikato, Trust Waikato ’s headquarters, adjoining the historic Kirikiriroa Pā site alongside the Waikato River, was always going to influence the design of this community organisation’s building. Using the rich cultural, historical and physical influences of the site, Chow:Hill Architects infused stories of the tangata whenua, Ngaati Wairere, into the modern design.

Completed in April 2018, the award-winning design of Te Puna o Waikato, Trust Waikato’s two-storey office building honours the heritage of its site: the Kirikiriroa Pā and Reserve, the historic homestead, protected trees and expansive river vistas.

Significant external design features reinforce the collaborative community spirit underpinning the building’s design, including a large panoramic curtain wall window and a striking angled timber entry colonnade, inspired by niho taniwha design narratives.

A similar welcoming philosophy was applied to the landscape design. Trust Waikato Te Puna o Waikato’s goal was to open the site to the public and visitors, shaping the surrounding environment and encouraging a collaborative community environment.

This desire was achieved through the removal of overgrown vegetation and the transformation of a private garden into a public space available for all to use.

Visit Resene's BlackWhite Magazine to read how the colour palette used for this project acknowledges the rich, historical significance of the land and adjacent Waikato river.