Harbouring Heritage: Reviving Westhaven Marina
The iconic Westhaven Marina, a cornerstone of Auckland’s maritime heritage, has recently undergone a significant transformation. With a rich history as the largest recreational marina in the Southern Hemisphere, the Pile Berth Redevelopment represents a forward-thinking step toward modernising the marina’s infrastructure while maintaining its environmental and community-focused ethos. Central to this redevelopment is the strategic use of premium, tailored hardwoods, specifically Garapa and Cumaru, selected for their versatility, strength, and ability to meet the unique demands of high-traffic, coastal environments.
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Project Overview
The Westhaven Marina redevelopment focused on enhancing public access and modernising facilities while preserving the area's rich maritime heritage. The project involved constructing new floating berths and expanding pedestrian pathways to improve accessibility for visitors. The integration of natural materials, particularly the use of premium hardwoods, played a pivotal role in ensuring the redevelopment was both functional and environmentally sustainable.
Westhaven Marina is an iconic Auckland destination that is vibrant, accessible, and attracts people to the sea.” says Jeanine McMullien, Eke Panuku, Capital Project Delivery Manager.
The Role of Garapa and Cumaru Hardwoods in the Project
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru, delivering both beauty and brawn, was chosen for the marina’s decking and handrails due to its exceptional strength and density. Naturally resistant to fungi and insects, Cumaru is ideally suited for high-traffic, high-exposure applications like the Westhaven Marina. Its grippy textured surface, a result of its density when planed, adds an extra layer of practicality, making it an ideal choice for public walkways. Over time, Cumaru’s rich reddish-brown tones will weather into a beautiful silvery-grey, complementing the marina’s coastal aesthetics
Garapa Battens
Garapa, chosen for its beautiful golden hue, offers greater scratch-resistance compared to other softwood timbers, ensuring a smooth and longer-lasting surface. These battens, used in the vertical elements of the marina’s design, contribute a modern aesthetic while maintaining their durability in a high-exposure, coastal environment. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, Garapa’s environmental credentials further align with the project’s commitment to responsible building practices.
Sustainability and Durability
The Westhaven Marina redevelopment was designed with a long-term vision for sustainability. Both Cumaru and Garapa are FSC® certified, meaning they come from responsibly managed forests that support the protection of biodiversity and local communities. In addition to their environmental benefits, these premium hardwoods were chosen for their Class 1 and Class 2 durability ratings, specifically suited to withstand the demanding conditions of coastal environments. Their resilience makes them ideal for marine and commercial projects like Westhaven Marina.
The Westhaven Marina redevelopment serves as a perfect example of how natural, sustainable materials can elevate a project both aesthetically and functionally. By incorporating Garapa and Cumaru hardwoods, the marina has achieved a balance of durability, beauty, and environmental responsibility. These materials not only enhance the visual appeal of the marina but also ensure that the structures remain resilient and lower maintenance, providing an accessible and enduring public space for generations to come.
JSC's FSC licence code - C003608
Learn more about our premium commercial and marine hardwood options, tailored to meet the demands of any high-traffic, coastal, or bespoke project.
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JSC GARAPA
Garapa is a Class 2 durable timber with a consistent golden hue and greater scratch-resistance compared to softwoods, making it ideal for exterior applications. This FSC-certified hardwood is sustainably sourced and provides a durable, smooth surface that remains visually striking in high-exposure environments.
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Project Timber: Westhaven Marina
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JSC is a leading timber supplier and manufacturer, providing premium, sustainable timber solutions tailored for New Zealand's building industry.
Established in Dunedin in 1900 by Jack Scott, and named J Scott and Company, our pioneering business grew and diversified in line with customer demand, tastes, and trends over the years.
This reputation for excellence that was established over one hundred years ago endures to this day, as does the ability to adapt and evolve, to better serve the needs of customers and to solve the challenges facing the building industry and the environment.
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JSC is New Zealand’s premium architectural and building solutions partner, proudly producing exceptional and innovative timber products, materials, and finishings that will stand strong today and into the future. As leaders in timber cladding, hardwood decking, interior panelling, timber coatings, thermally modified timbers, and more, JSC is committed to delivering innovation to build tomorrow.
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