Kakapo Creek Garden

Read ArchiPro's article here. Kakapo Creek is an early learning centre for up to 100 children in the heart of Mairangi Bay and is founded on the idea of Nga Hau E Wha, the four winds, being symbolic as a meeting place for people from all backgrounds. This idea is embodied in the design of the building, forming it into a circular shape to create a central meeting space, with four main classrooms arranged around it. The shape of the curve was derived from the shape of the stream which forms the site boundary on the northern side of the building and helps root the building in its place. Further ideas of connection and meeting were explored throughout the design - the four classrooms are fully glazed onto the courtyard which then allows connection between inside and out, and between the rooms themselves. This elegantly simple design is topped off by a timber glulam / ply roof canopy and green roof, further unifying the spaces beneath, and blending the building into its natural environment. Client: Kaenan Trust Location: Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand Construction cost: Confidential Area: 450m² Programme: Completed 2021 Project Team: Phil Smith, Akash Kumar Construction: Meridian Construction Engineer: Markplan Consulting Landscaper: Dave Cowen Interiors: Meridian Construction Materials: Techlam, APL Windows Solution, Plytech, Zone Architectural Image Credit: Mark Scowen