Study in Kauri - Kauri canopy at Auckland Art Gallery by Papakura Joinery

Right from the outset, the architects of the Auckland Art Gallery were focused on providing a uniquely New Zealand design response, using local materials and services wherever possible.

The soaring kauri canopy is testament to both the design expertise of architects FJMT and Archimedia, and the fine craftsmanship of the company contracted to build the pods and columns Papakura Joinery.

Director Glenn Haszard says Papakura Joinery was commissioned to construct 22 full pods, six half pods and 23 kauri columns up to 15m high a complex task that involved in excess of 85,000 work hours.

"A prime requisite for the project was the need for a master level of timber joinery," Haszard says. "With minimal tolerances, both the planning and execution had to be near perfect."

Papakua Joinery project manager Jim Irvine says the bases were constructed like a house, with two sub-frames, including a laminated curved ply shape to which the kauri was affixed.

"The kauri board negative detailing needed to be accurate to within 0.1mm on interlocking corners. Rainwater gutters and fixings were concealed the timber was joined with back screwing and gluing. And every effort was made to match the colour hues on individual panels to create a unified look."

Irvine says the curves dictated that every board had to be considered individually, manufactured then adjusted on its base with surgical precision.

Papakura Joinery also built the kauri seats in the gallery, which feature 13 layers of laminated kauri.

For more information, contact Papakura Joinery, PO Box 72110, Papakura, Auckland 2244, phone (09) 298 7145. Web: www.papakurajoinery.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas