Sinéad McClay from Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka, Unitec, School of Architecture is a finalist for her project 'The Ōkato Co-op: A Dairy Factory Reimagined'.
Project description
Disused dairy factories, scattered all over Taranaki, are stark reminders of the impacts of colonisation, land loss for Māori, and the destruction of thriving forest ecosystems. The former Ōkato Co-op Dairy Factory, located on State Highway 45, is one of these and provides an opportunity to address some of these issues by reimagining it as a community-led hub for hempcrete production, education and recreation.
Hempcrete production is proposed as the commercial function of the facility, and as a sustainable material that allows active community participation in the adaptive reuse for new and refurbished spaces.
The design process has been guided by Te Takarangi, the Māori circular economy model developed by Teina Boasa-Dean and Juhi Shareef, inspiring principles that guide the adaptive reuse to encourage resilience and wellbeing. The existing buildings are opened up to the Kaihihi Awa and Taranaki Mounga, emphasising the interconnected and reciprocal relationship between the community and environment.
A series of interviews with members of the community and Mana Whenua revealed local needs, aspirations and stories, all of which informed the functional brief. Community workshops, co-working offices, skateboard ramps and outdoor areas for community gatherings are provided. Walking and cycle tracks connect to the township weaving along the revegetated Kaihihi awa on permeable surfaces, replacing existing swathes of concrete.
The proposed Ōkato Co-op is a response to the complex impacts of the dairy industry through the colonisation of the environment and community. Its highly visible and easily accessible location means it has the potential to have widespread impact, providing hope for the future as a site for connection and healing.
