Auckland Council sought an iconic community precinct to serve as a welcoming gateway to Waiheke Island, embodying the island's unique narrative and character. This new facility aimed to blend functionality with sustainable design principles while enhancing and integrating seamlessly with existing amenities that had evolved over time in an ad-hoc manner.
Nestled at the entrance of Oneroa village, the 800m² library, landscaped courtyard, and Amphitheatre stand as bold symbols of the island's ethos. Together with neighboring attractions like the cinema, art gallery, theatre, and restaurant, they form a vibrant community hub that was previously lacking.
Inspired by the imagery of books sheltered under a canopy of Pohutukawa trees, the design takes on a sculptural form. This vision is reinforced by practical, sustainable design elements aimed at ensuring a user-friendly environment of lasting quality.
Upon entering the library, visitors encounter a thoughtfully laid-out space featuring central bookshelves surrounded by various seating, study areas, and meeting spaces—all easily navigable. A children's reading platform, elevated above the bookshelves, sparks imagination, resembling a pirate's crow's nest or a scene from Romeo and Juliet.
Expansive sliding doors on the north side of the building seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for a fluid transition to the new courtyard and Amphitheatre. Here, stories can be shared, outdoor activities enjoyed, and cultural performances hosted, enriching the community experience.
133/131 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1081
Auckland Council
800m2
2011
2016
2015
2015
Property Council NZ Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards: Resene Green Building Property Award Merit
NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Award: Commercial Architectural Excellence
NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Award: Resene Overall Supreme Award
The orientation of the library has been considered to provide maximum sunlight into the building in winter with carefully proportioned roof overhangs providing shade in summer. The height and depth of the building have also been optimised to provide the best possible natural daylight and ventilation. Windows are all automatically controlled but can still be adjusted to suit individual comfort levels.All rain is collected off the roof stored in three large underground tanks and supplies all the water needed for the building including a reservoir for firefighting. All windows are double glazed, roofs and walls highly insulated, and an array of photovoltaic panels have been designed to provide all the energy required to run the building during summer.
The local board publicly supported the design during a very successful community consultation and engagement process. Dialogue with iwi, regarding sensitive historical ancestral issues specific to the site, led to significant sightlines being incorporated into the open-space courtyard design and marked by an installation of three beautifully carved totara pou.Magnificent artwork by internationally renowned local artist Kazu Nakagawa has been fully integrated into the façade, wall linings and floor of the building.
