‘Whare Koa’ translates to “house of joy” and this project is certainly full of joy. The restoration and adaptation of this Californian bungalow for use as a community building is respectful, generous and joyful. The original gentility of the bungalow is restored in a way that honours its character, while necessary functional improvements add to the wairua, koa and colour of the Māori and Pacific Island communities for whom the house is a key amenity.