Ngā Purapura | Ōtaki
Reflecting the principles of Ngā Purapura (formerly known as the Institute of Maori Lifestyle Advancement (IMLA)), the landscape proposal for this site explores a new tradition/ existence for the previously un-articulated grass paddock. Relying heavily upon the ‘local’, the landscape distils elements from the broader regional natural environment into a composition that is both complementary to the institute’s contemporary building form and the local context within which it sits.
Harnessing its low-lying topographical position and geographic location within a Kāpiti Coast District Council designated overland flow path, this site’s Tasman Road frontage is reconfigured as constructed ephemeral wetland and generous pedestrian entry sequence. Evocative of the nearby naturally occurring wetlands and fens fringing the adjacent Wānanga site to the north, the ephemeral wetland elicits a narrative of the site’s underlying hydrology whilst visually augmenting the site and anchoring Ngā Purapura into its environs.
The highly visible pedestrian entry off Tasman Road conveys a generosity that welcomes visitors on to the site. The sequencing of entry experiences from Tasman Road along a wide entry path, over timber bridge above sunken reed beds across to the concrete terrace at the building’s main entry gently transitions visitors from the active public street environment to the institute’s nurturing environment.
Complementing the building’s main internal spaces, the immediate exterior surrounds are treated with an unpretentious palette of hard and soft materials to provide additional gathering and casual socialising spaces. With prospect over the ephemeral wetland these spaces are afforded filtered views through tree groves of Tasman Road and Te Wānanga-ORaukawa to the north. To the south an existing designated stream corridor along the site’s boundary is revitalised, lengthened and developed into a site feature. Weeds have been removed and the stream corridor is widened and lengthened. New planting transforms the character of the corridor and is reflective of native riparian zone species from the Ōtaki area.
SUSTAINABILITY
The proposal establishes a new order of vegetation, finishes and visual amenity, intrinsically linked and underpinning these components is an adherence Environmentally Sustainable Development principles. The ephemeral wetland provides visual amenity, accommodates a collection of native species from local ecologies and performs an important role in stormwater detention. Materials and finishes are largely locally sourced and selected to suit local climatic conditions and intended site usage. Dedicated cycle parking at the facilities front entry communicates both a desire to maintain and care for the environment as well as the health and well-being of the community who will use this facility.
Reflecting the principles of Ngā Purapura (formerly known as the Institute of Maori Lifestyle Advancement (IMLA)), the landscape proposal for this site explores a new tradition/ existence for the previously un-articulated grass paddock. Relying heavily upon the ‘local’, the landscape distils elements from the broader regional natural environment into a composition that is both complementary to the institute’s contemporary building form and the local context within which it sits.
Harnessing its low-lying topographical position and geographic location within a Kāpiti Coast District Council designated overland flow path, this site’s Tasman Road frontage is reconfigured as constructed ephemeral wetland and generous pedestrian entry sequence. Evocative of the nearby naturally occurring wetlands and fens fringing the adjacent Wānanga site to the north, the ephemeral wetland elicits a narrative of the site’s underlying hydrology whilst visually augmenting the site and anchoring Ngā Purapura into its environs.
The highly visible pedestrian entry off Tasman Road conveys a generosity that welcomes visitors on to the site. The sequencing of entry experiences from Tasman Road along a wide entry path, over timber bridge above sunken reed beds across to the concrete terrace at the building’s main entry gently transitions visitors from the active public street environment to the institute’s nurturing environment.
Complementing the building’s main internal spaces, the immediate exterior surrounds are treated with an unpretentious palette of hard and soft materials to provide additional gathering and casual socialising spaces. With prospect over the ephemeral wetland these spaces are afforded filtered views through tree groves of Tasman Road and Te Wānanga-ORaukawa to the north. To the south an existing designated stream corridor along the site’s boundary is revitalised, lengthened and developed into a site feature. Weeds have been removed and the stream corridor is widened and lengthened. New planting transforms the character of the corridor and is reflective of native riparian zone species from the Ōtaki area.
SUSTAINABILITY
The proposal establishes a new order of vegetation, finishes and visual amenity, intrinsically linked and underpinning these components is an adherence Environmentally Sustainable Development principles. The ephemeral wetland provides visual amenity, accommodates a collection of native species from local ecologies and performs an important role in stormwater detention. Materials and finishes are largely locally sourced and selected to suit local climatic conditions and intended site usage. Dedicated cycle parking at the facilities front entry communicates both a desire to maintain and care for the environment as well as the health and well-being of the community who will use this facility.
Reflecting the principles of Ngā Purapura (formerly known as the Institute of Maori Lifestyle Advancement (IMLA)), the landscape proposal for this site explores a new tradition/ existence for the previously un-articulated grass paddock. Relying heavily upon the ‘local’, the landscape distils elements from the broader regional natural environment into a composition that is both complementary to the institute’s contemporary building form and the local context within which it sits.
Harnessing its low-lying topographical position and geographic location within a Kāpiti Coast District Council designated overland flow path, this site’s Tasman Road frontage is reconfigured as constructed ephemeral wetland and generous pedestrian entry sequence. Evocative of the nearby naturally occurring wetlands and fens fringing the adjacent Wānanga site to the north, the ephemeral wetland elicits a narrative of the site’s underlying hydrology whilst visually augmenting the site and anchoring Ngā Purapura into its environs.
The highly visible pedestrian entry off Tasman Road conveys a generosity that welcomes visitors on to the site. The sequencing of entry experiences from Tasman Road along a wide entry path, over timber bridge above sunken reed beds across to the concrete terrace at the building’s main entry gently transitions visitors from the active public street environment to the institute’s nurturing environment.
Complementing the building’s main internal spaces, the immediate exterior surrounds are treated with an unpretentious palette of hard and soft materials to provide additional gathering and casual socialising spaces. With prospect over the ephemeral wetland these spaces are afforded filtered views through tree groves of Tasman Road and Te Wānanga-ORaukawa to the north. To the south an existing designated stream corridor along the site’s boundary is revitalised, lengthened and developed into a site feature. Weeds have been removed and the stream corridor is widened and lengthened. New planting transforms the character of the corridor and is reflective of native riparian zone species from the Ōtaki area.
SUSTAINABILITY
The proposal establishes a new order of vegetation, finishes and visual amenity, intrinsically linked and underpinning these components is an adherence Environmentally Sustainable Development principles. The ephemeral wetland provides visual amenity, accommodates a collection of native species from local ecologies and performs an important role in stormwater detention. Materials and finishes are largely locally sourced and selected to suit local climatic conditions and intended site usage. Dedicated cycle parking at the facilities front entry communicates both a desire to maintain and care for the environment as well as the health and well-being of the community who will use this facility.