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Brosnan
Brosnan (Project Manager), MOAA Architects (Architect/Designer), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager)
Ministry of Education
In a town of one thousand residents, with one hundred of those being students, Karamea Area School forms the cornerstone of the community. This project saw the rebuild of the school to include a library, hall, gymnasium, administration building, various technology subject facilities, and new classrooms. Referred to as “the longest cul-de-sac in the country”, the road to Karamea involves mountains, bridges, and tunnels and only has one access point. It was also periodically closed due to severe weather events. Concrete could not be viably transported to the site, so the team designed and implemented an offsite manufacturing facility. Other challenges included accommodation and grocery provisions, contaminated ground removal, and people shortages. Sustainability was important throughout the build, with energy-efficient fittings, salvaging of demolition waste and building materials, and an old classroom being purchased by a member of the community for restoration.
This project saw the remodel of Karamea Area School, including the rebuild of a library, hall, gymnasium, administration building, various technology subject facilities, and new classrooms. Due to historical connections, there was some resistance at first. Brosnan won over the locals by relocating the old hall so it could be retained and repurposed by the community. The team also supported the community fundraising, alongside the Ministry of Education, to construct a full-sized multi-purpose hall that has become the heart and centre of the whole community, including a Civil Defence base. The original Rimu flooring was salvaged and reformed as part of the reception joinery, helping to create a special link between the old and the new.
NZ Strong Group
Ignite Architects (Architect/Designer), NZ Strong Group Limited (Construction Company)
The Southeast Asia Jungle Track is the biggest Project in Auckland Zoo’s 100-year history. It has been designed to provide a modern environment which creates the best possible habitat for the animals, while delivering an immersive experience for the public. The track features a lowlands habitat for tigers and otters, high canopy primate habitat for orangutans and siamangs, and a swamp forest habitat for Sunda gharial and Southeast Asian fish species. The track is unique globally. There was a strong focus on providing the best care for the animals, while bringing them together to give visitors a deep connection with nature and inspire a love and care for wildlife. Working in a live environment was a major challenge and the team had to ensure pedestrian flows were safely maintained for visitors and zoo staff.
The South East Asia Precinct Project was the biggest project in Auckland Zoo’s 100 year history. The goal was to replace its aging facility and create the best possible habitats for the wildlife, while also delivering an immersive experience for the public. The team went above and beyond to facilitate the design and manufacture of unique components, such as the large ropes weighing over a tonne for the Orangutans, tiger holding fences, and treatment and filtration facilities for sustainable water usage. The new precinct features a globally unique jungle track with lowland habitats for tigers and otters, high canopy primate habitats for orangutans and siamangs, and swamp forest habitats for Southeast Asian fish species. The project also included work on a visitor café with a strong focus on visitor experience. Curved brick towers signal the entry points on one side, while a canopy floats between and beyond them, sheltering the eating spaces opening towards the bush and animal habitats.
Alaska Construction Interiors
Alaska Construction Interiors (Construction Company), Paua Architects (Architect/Designer), Tainui Group Holdings (Developer)
The Cambridge Police Hub, which has just opened, is unlike any other in New Zealand. It has been designed to meet the requirements of the police force, while also being open and inviting to the local community and reflecting the cultural identity of the local iwi. The station's unique blend of materials includes brick, stone, aluminium, and Corten steel. The project faced significant challenges, as it needed to be completed before the lease on the current station expired. Despite disruptions to the supply chain, lockdowns, and complicated building work, the team successfully completed the project within the tight time frame. The team emphasised sourcing local materials wherever possible, to support the local economy and prioritise sustainability. The project was centred around the community, aiming to foster a sense of community ownership and pride.
The Cambridge Police Hub is unlike any other in New Zealand. It is the first police hub to be developed under a partnership agreement between Tainui Group Holdings and NZ Police to support the build of modern, sustainable, community-minded Police facilities across the Waikato. Designed to house fifteen staff, while incorporating co-location spaces for community groups and local iwi, this new Hub moves away from the traditional look and feel of a Police Station and incorporates the concept of “manaakitanga”. The space provides services to the community, while enabling public safety. The building successfully incorporates many elements reflecting the local environment and community, including visual features of significance to Waikato-Tainui and use of the region’s Hinuera stonework.