2021 New Zealand Architecture Awards Winner
Whare Koa - Māngere Community House
Considerable care and thought is evident in the interior restoration of this heritage-listed former farmhouse, originally built in 1924. As one of Auckland Council’s most heavily used community facilities, Whare Koa needed upgrading to meet demand in a manner that was respectful to the Cook Island community it serves. Through subtle changes to its plan and the introduction of light into service spaces, the architects have transformed this Californian bungalow’s functionality while graciously preserving its interior - including the restoration of original wallpaper and the use of high-quality fittings and finishes. By embracing the bungalow’s classic, dark nucleus, and juxtaposing it with the vibrant colours of the Pacific, the architects have created a rich, culturally responsive interior where rooms glow with a vibrancy that is further enriched by the people who use them. The result is an incredibly joyful community centre that its users love.
- Practice
- Burgess Treep & Knight Architects
- Category
- Interior Architecture
- Location
- Auckland
