Gateway to the coast

Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the wild south coast of Wellington, especially due to the volcanic Pariwhero, or Red Rocks, and the resident seals that can be found in the area.

When the Wellington City Council decided to create an information centre at Te Kopahou Reserve in Owhiro Bay, the entrance to the area, Mainzeal won the tender to carry out the construction.

The design aim for the centre was to create a sheltered portal to the coastal environment, a place where visitors could pause, learn about the local history and geology, and make use of public conveniences, including picnic facilities, car parking and toilets.

Carlos Gonzales from Architectural Services at the Wellington City Council designed the centre, which is situated on the site of a former quarry. He says the structure is designed to be open to the coast, while also taking into consideration the extreme conditions.

"Pedestrian ramps on two sides, and four large bifolding doors, invite flow of movement through the site, into the building, and back outside into the environment. When selecting materials, we took into account the effects of high winds, sea spray and sand blasting, as well as trying to vandal-proof this isolated structure."

Aquaheat Umicore VM Zinc and James Hardie Titan Facade Panels make up the exterior cladding, while exposed concrete is used for decks, steps and walls. Metalbilt Renlita bifolding doors and toughened 6mm-thick glass windows help withstand the elements.

Inside, the timber trusses and purlins from the old quarry building were reused, along with new Vitex interior decking, says Gonzales.

"We also retained the concrete pillars that made up the old two-storey quarry structure. These can be seen outside the building, and provide a link to the past as well as a sense of drama."

Mainzeal staff cut the original building's pre-cast concrete panels from between the columns, and also trimmed the column tops. Old crushing cones from the quarry were reused as seats inside the building, and old marine piles now serve as wheel stops in the car park. Some of the roofing iron has also been recycled in the artwork inside the centre.

Improvements were also made to the car park, which now has a sealed driveway leading to the centre, accessible car parks, and a turn-around area for buses. Drainage has been designed so that any run-off from the car park is filtered through gravel and plants rather than running directly into the sea. Landscape architecture was completed by Wellington City Council's Charles Gordon.

The council staff and design team were particularly impressed with the professionalism of the team at Mainzeal, says Gonzales.

"The Mainzeal team all contributed to the success of the project with their timely performance, high standard of work, and by providing safe ongoing public access through the site, as well as co-operation throughout the construction phase. I felt fortunate to be able to work with them," he says.

For more information, contact Mainzeal Property & Construction, Level 3, 181 Vivian Street, Wellington 6141, phone (04) 802 7900, fax (04) 802 7901. Email:mzwgtn@mainzeal.com. Website: www.mainzeal.com.

Story by: Trendsideas