Hihiaua Cultural Centre

Moller Architects have recently completed the concept design for a new cultural centre for the Hihiaua Trust located in Whangarei. The project consists of a controlled environment display space for artifacts, arts and craft and carving, a multi use conference centre & theatre complex, and a workshop for waka carving. The three functional areas are grouped around a central arrival space. This space also includes a café & eating area, ticketing and a retail shop with access to common service areas. The space allows for formal occasions to be welcomed onto the site. The centre is to provide for cultural as well as educational facilities for Whangarei and the Northland Region. The project has been designed in close collaboration with the Hihiaua Trustees. An integrated landscape design proposal has been carried out by Boffa Miskell Landscape Architects for the immediate site surrounds as well as the wider site. The materials are masonry walls and roof for the display areas, with lightweight framed walls and roof for the arrival and conference areas clad in glass and cedar timber weatherboards. The existing boatshed on site isto refurbished to house the Waka carving areas and linked into the new building complex.

View from the North

Entry from the North West