Standing alone in the foothills of the Papamoa Range, this beacon on a hill is sited to capture expansive views. It is also firmly grounded, anchored not just to site but to iwi via a narrative of three whales, Kopukairoa, Mangatawa and Hikurangi – the inspiration for the design concept. Taking the idea of a whale’s tail as a generator for the plan and roof structure, the architects have created a piece of work that is functional, culturally fitting and strongly connected to a special site.