Landmark Position

A local council has a responsibility to ensure its citizens feel a connection with, and take pride in, any new civic project it undertakes. For the new Papamoa Library and Community Centre, Tauranga City Council's latest venture, a number of architects were invited to submit proposals. This particular competition was won by Chow:Hill Architects.

As this was only the second new building commissioned by the council in 20 years, architect John van Cingel says it wanted a culturally significant design. Standing at the entrance to the new Palm Beach Plaza, Chow:Hill's design features an entry tower representing a lighthouse, while the wave form of the curved, sloping roof refers to the beach and sea 500 metres away.

"Furthermore, because it is a long-term investment for the council, energy use was a major design consideration," explains Cingel.

To achieve the requirement for low energy consumption, insulated, pre-cast concrete panels maintain an even temperature in the building. Water pipes in the floor cool the slab or heat the building via a heat pump, large roof overhangs limit solar access, and highly efficient light fittings produce high light levels for a low heat output. The shape also assists the passive heating and cooling process heat rises naturally along the sloping ceiling, then disperses through pop-up roof windows.

For more information, contact Chow:Hill Architects, PO Box 13 493, Tauranga 3141, phone (07) 577 1219, fax (07) 577 9548. Website: www.chowhill.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas