Ngā Mokopuna - Wellington, New Zealand

“These elements guide visitors through the space, evoking a sense of movement, discovery, and whakapapa (family),” says Brown.

Tennent Brown has been involved in other Māori-centred Living Buildings around the country, such as Te Ara a Tāwhaki in Otaki and the Tuhoe Lake Waikaremoana visitor centre, both of which use Abodo products. This is due to the products meeting and exceeding these exacting materials requirements from the Living Building Challenge covering:

• Timber source is from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified forests.
  
• Declare Red List compliance
  
• Low carbon impact

Vulcan timber is made locally from FSC® certified Radiata Pine, which is heat tempered (also known as thermally modified) to ensure stability and longevity, without the use of any chemical preservatives. This cladding is a smart choice - with its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Declare certification, meaning Vulcan has low toxicity and will store more carbon than used in its production.

Due to the thermal modification process, Abodo Vulcan Decking has reduced resin content, resulting in a highly stable product with a warm, homogenous brown tone that will silver off naturally over time without warping or buckling.

The requirements also state that Living Buildings must connect their users with nature. With its rich, textural finish, the cladding provides a naturally warm palette, which is accentuated at Ngā Mokopuna by the varied, woven application, reflective of Māori handicrafts.

Aside from materials, Living Buildings must generate more energy than they use and capture and treat all water on site. Ngā Mokopuna generates its own electricity through a solar array on the roof and also collects rainwater for use in the building. Wastewater is managed on site and reused for grey water systems and gardens.

With all these boxes checked and the building now being enjoyed by students and community members alike, Ngā Mokopuna is set to achieve its Living Building Certification, from the International Living Futures Institute. The highest standard for environmentally responsible buildings.