Tūhoe Living Building

Architect: Tennet Brown Architects

Location: Lake Waikaremoana, New Zealand

Client: Tūhoe

Project Completed: December 2016

Product: Abodo Vulcan

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The Visitor Centre which opened in December 2016, combines Vulcan Cladding and locally sourced materials and labour where possible, the panels made for the building were created on-site using traditional Japanese methods of preserving wood by burning the timber to varying degrees of char. The charring of the panels is symbolic to the Tūhoe tribe; in 1867 the Crown introduced its scorched earth policy event against Tūhoe.

The award-winning Te Kura Whare was the first Living Building in New Zealand and the Iwi have now completed their second Living Building project, which also used Abodo’s FSC-certified, sustainably harvested eco-timbers.

Working with Tūhoe on their second Living Building challenge brought to light the importance and the meaning behind the wood, its fibre was used for the project and was locally sourced by Abodo from FSC-certified forests in the Kaingaroa region, most of which are on or close to Ngai Tūhoe land.

The exterior of the building blends seamlessly into the stunning surroundings and was designed by Tennet Brown Architects. The Visitor’s Centre includes ticketing (for the great walk), café and kitchen, administration, retail and a wānanga space. Supplying Abodo with our sustainable eco-timber joinery and cladding was an honour.

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