Christchurch-based practice Sheppard & Rout has collaborated with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ngati Waewae mana whenua on the design, which references Māori and modern-day journeys, the region’s rich mineral resources, and the shelter and food the area provides.

The main building, the Experience Centre, is formed of a series of curves that avoid significant nikau groves and provides an opening to the north that looks down into a doline (limestone sinkhole). Sustainably sourced, FSC-certified timber has been used throughout and a green roof will help merge the building into the natural environment while providing a habitat and ecosystem for the natural flora and fauna of the area. The roof will also reduce stormwater run-off peaks during heavy rain events and increase acoustic performance.

“The overall aim of the development is to touch the land as lightly as possible, to minimise its effect on the natural environment,” says lead architect Jasper van der Lingen. “It is aiming to be a ‘double carbon zero’ project, which will sequester twice as much carbon over the life cycle of the building as the carbon emitted during its construction.”