FROM EARTH TO SKY

One of Te Puia's key architectural features isits roofing in particular, the use of a feature roofing material, Danpalon. The 10mm-thick translucent polycarbonate roofing material was installed as a skylight in the interpretive gallery, and as a verandah roof over the entry structure. The material was chosen for its aesthetic value and durability.

Danpalon lets light in, allowing visitors a sense of the changing weather outside, and has a multi-celled texture similar to that of a honeycomb. Although there are similar products available in New Zealand, Danpalon has a high specification and is designed to cope with extremes of temperature.

Aluminium roofing, protected with ARX coating in iron sand, was specified for the other roof elements of the interpretive gallery and other new buildings. The robust coating is suitable for the tough local geothermal conditions without it, the roofing would perforate prematurely.

Reconn Roofing sourced and installed the Danpalon roofing, the aluminium roofing and flashings, stainless steel gutters, downpipes and rainwater heads. Everlight supplied the Danpalon roofing. The aluminium roofing was supplied by Dimonds, and the stainless steel materials were supplied by Thorburn Sheet Metals. Waikato Waterproofing supplied the rubber membrane.

For more information, contact David Reid, Reconn Roofing, 228 Sandwich Road, St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, phone (07) 849 7372. Email: dave.reconnroofing@xtra.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas