A design/sustainability beacon on the Tauranga skyline

Manawa House, a new multi-storey commercial building designed by Cube Architecture, has rapidly become a prime example of how modern design can pay homage to its surroundings in Tauranga's central business district. 

Iconic structure receives prestigious award

Located on Cameron Road, the building’s distinctive fin design, inspired by Mauao (Mount Maunganui), and the way it is illuminated at night have made it an iconic structure in the region. 

Beyond its striking appearance, the project is a triumph of modern architectural design and construction, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. 

Manawa House recently received the Highly Commended Award for Commercial Architecture at the 2024 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) Awards, reflecting its significance in the field.

Cultural at heart

Cultural significance was also central to the project. 

The name Manawa, meaning 'heart' in te reo Māori, was gifted by local hapū Ngāti Hangarau, reflecting the deep connection between the building, the Kaimai Power Scheme, and the Omanawa River. 

This name not only symbolises the heart of the community but also acknowledges the essential role that water and energy play in both the local landscape and the tenants of the building – New Zealand Blood and Manawa Energy. 

The integration of this cultural element reinforces the project's commitment to honouring its surroundings and the history of the region, making Manawa House more than just a commercial building, but a living part of the community's fabric.

Key players

The project's success is owed to the collaborative effort of several key players, including Cube Architecture, Iline Construction, and Harkin Roofing. 

Each organisation contributed its individual expertise to create a building that meets the needs of its tenants – New Zealand Blood and Manawa Energy – while also exceeding energy efficiency standards and embodying a commitment to sustainability. 

Warm Roof System

One of the standout features of Manawa House is its high-performance Warm Roof System supplied by Dimond Roofing and installed by Harkin Roofing, which plays a pivotal role in the building’s thermal performance, durability, and overall comfort.

Cube Architecture and design thinking

Cube Architecture, led by founder Matt Allen, has been making waves in the local architectural scene since its launch in 2020. 

While the timing of the studio's opening coincided with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for innovative and sustainable building designs in Tauranga helped the practice thrive. 

With Tauranga’s population rapidly growing and its design and build sector expanding, Cube Architecture has taken on increasingly ambitious projects. 

Manawa House is a significant commercial project, reflecting their forward-thinking approach and design expertise.

In describing the project, Matt Allen says: “The client aimed to create an appealing corner building with a distinctive character. 

"To achieve this, we incorporated the shape of Mauao into the design through the feature fins and façade lighting.”

Originally designed as a three-level office building for the New Zealand Blood Service, the scope of the project expanded when Manawa Energy joined as a key tenant. 

The revised design increased the number of floors to four, along with an underground parking level, without straying too far from the initial vision. 

“The initial brief for the Manawa House project was to accommodate New Zealand Blood’s, blood donor centre," Allen says.

"The original concept involved a three-level structure with the ground floor designated for retail and parking. 

"As the design progressed, an opportunity arose to include Manawa Energy as a tenant, necessitating the addition of an extra floor and basement parking to meet their requirements.”

Functionality key

Functionality was just as important as aesthetics. 

As an essential facility for the New Zealand Blood Service, the building needed to be highly resilient, able to function in emergencies, and offer a comfortable working environment for its tenants. 

This is where the decision to use Dimond’s Warm Roof System proved to be crucial. 

Known for its superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency, the warm roof system not only contributed to the building’s sustainable design but also ensured long-term comfort and cost savings for its occupants.

Dimond Roofing's Warm Roof System

Dimond Roofing’s Warm Roof System was selected for Manawa House for several key reasons. 

First and foremost, the system offers exceptional acoustic and thermal insulation properties, both of which were vital for creating a productive office environment. 

In commercial buildings located in busy urban areas, controlling noise and maintaining comfortable temperatures is essential to tenant satisfaction. 

The warm roof system ensures that the interior of Manawa House remains quiet and temperate, even in the fluctuating coastal conditions of Tauranga.

Energy efficiency and sustainability

From an energy performance perspective, Dimond’s Warm Roof System was integral in helping Manawa House surpass New Zealand’s H1 energy efficiency requirements by an impressive 77%. 

This level of energy efficiency significantly reduces the building's running costs, offering long-term financial benefits for its tenants. 

The use of the warm roof system was part of a broader sustainability strategy for the project, which also included the installation of rooftop solar panels to generate renewable energy. 

These features align with the environmental goals of both Cube Architecture and the building’s tenants, ensuring that Manawa House is not only a functional and attractive building but also a leader in sustainability.

Dimond’s warm roofing system's ease of installation also contributed to the success of the project, enabling Harkin Roofing to complete the job efficiently and helping to keep the overall project on track. 

Harkin Roofing – focus on the commercial and industrial sectors

As one of the largest and most respected commercial roofing companies in the Bay of Plenty, Harkin Roofing brought over 40 years of experience to the table. 

Their expertise in metal roofing and cladding was invaluable to the smooth and successful installation of the roofing system at Manawa House.

Harkin Roofing is known for its focus on the commercial and industrial sectors, and a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality installations made it the ideal partner for this project. 

With the company's own access equipment and the Intaks edge protection system, Harkin was able to ensure the highest safety standards throughout the installation process. 

This combination of quality, efficiency, and safety has earned Harkin Roofing a strong reputation in the region, and its work on Manawa House has only solidified that standing.

Beyond its roofing system, Manawa House integrates several other sustainable features that further enhance its environmental performance. 

Solar panels and cost savings

The building’s design includes solar panels on the roof, allowing it to harness renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint. 

This not only makes the building more environmentally friendly but also offers cost savings to the tenants by lowering energy bills. 

With sustainability becoming an increasingly important consideration for commercial developments, Manawa House is leading by example – setting a new standard for energy-efficient office buildings in Tauranga.

Matt Allen, founder of Cube Architecture, speaks proudly of the building’s energy performance and sustainable design. 

“Sustainability was a key focus throughout the design process – to enhance energy efficiency and create a superior internal environment, we incorporated several features. 

"The roof is equipped with solar panels to harness renewable energy and the design significantly exceeds the H1 energy performance requirements by approximately 77%, thereby substantially reducing the building’s overall energy consumption.”

High-performance building materials and expert installation

Manawa House exemplifies what can be achieved when architectural vision is paired with high-performance building materials and expert installation. 

Cube Architecture’s design seamlessly balances form and function, resulting in a building that is both beautiful and practical. 

Meanwhile, the use of Dimond’s Warm Roof System and the expert craftsmanship of Harkin Roofing ensure that the building performs at the highest level, meeting the needs of its tenants while also addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The flexibility of the design was another key factor in the project’s success. 

When Manawa Energy came on board, the building’s size and layout had to be adjusted, adding another floor and increasing the overall scope of the project. 

Agile response

Cube Architecture was able to make these changes without sacrificing the integrity of the original design. 

This adaptability, coupled with the building’s high-performance features, has made Manawa House a standout example of modern commercial architecture.

Manawa House is not only a functional office space but also a symbol of the evolving landscape of Tauranga’s commercial architecture. 

As Tauranga continues to grow, with its population projected to reach 182,000 by 2032, buildings like Manawa House set a new benchmark for the future. 

By prioritising sustainability, functionality, and design excellence, Cube Architecture, Iline Construction, and Harkin Roofing have created a building that will serve the needs of its tenants today while being prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Architects, contractors, and suppliers deliver transformative outcome

The success of Manawa House is a testament to the power of collaboration between architects, contractors, and suppliers – it shows that when design innovation, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship come together, the results can be transformative. 

Manawa House stands as a beacon of what’s possible in commercial architecture – an inspiring blend of beauty, sustainability, and functionality that will leave a lasting impression on Tauranga’s skyline for years to come.

Find out more

To find out more about Dimond Roofing’s Warm Roof System and how it can advance your project, visit Dimond Roofing

Story by: Trendsideas