By Equus Industries
The Hundertwasser Art Centre has been on the drawing board for years and finally came alive in 2021, and was officially opened in February 2022.
This centre, which was built as a legacy to the well-known Austrian artist and visionary, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was designed to include the man’s particular artistry and architecture. The centre represents Hundertwasser’s art, just as the famous Kawakawa public toilets have done for years.
The design for this architectural work of art took many years, with Equus Industries collaborating closely with the HB Architecture throughout the process, working to deliver a quality waterproofing solution for the structure.
This included multiple areas of waterproofing membranes, such as the large ramp, but the key area being the insulated, waterproof roof garden.
The Duotherm Green Roof system, uses the DuO Landscape membrane over thermal insulated, and was installed over several months by Equus Certified Applicators Whangarei Waterproofing Ltd, and once the planting was completed, resulted in an impressive living roof garden with 800m3 of engineer designed soil, 150 trees and over 3000 plants.
A Duotherm Green Roof offers numerous benefits to a project. It not only provides superior waterproofing with a durable, root-resistant membrane for long-term performance, but green roofs also promote environmental sustainability by improving thermal and sound insulation, filtering rainwater, and protecting the underlying structure. Additionally, green roofs contribute to the energy efficiency of the building.
Available in multiple configurations, from fully accessible roof gardens to low-maintenance options, Duotherm Green Roof systems are versatile and suitable for a variety of building types. Backed by a material warranty of up to 25 years, and a 20-year insurance backed manufacturer warranty the system offers excellent durability in all New Zealand conditions.
This system is CodeMark Certified and BRANZ Appraised.
Architect: HB Architecture
Main Contractor: Trigg Construction
Applicator: Whangarei Waterproofing Ltd
Photos: Supplied by Hundertwasser Art Centre
Equus Industries Limited is a private limited liability Company (#120201) incorporated in Blenheim New Zealand in 1982.
The company commenced business, immediately after formation, as a manufacturer of specialist coating systems for commercial buildings. This remains the main thrust of the operation to this day, with additional high quality complementary products introduced extending the range to encompass a full range of coating and waterproofing materials for all types of construction.
In addition to supplying the New Zealand market, Equus started exporting specialist lines from late 1983 to Australia, the South Pacific and South East Asia. More recently developing strong links with distributors in both Australia and South East Asia.
Since formation, growth has been steady and continuous at an average 15% annual compound rate. The company now has a multi-million dollar turnover and is respected as a supplier of qualityprotection materials to the construction industry.