Award Winning “Charred” Waikaremoana Welcome Centre

Completed early this year, Te Wharehou o Waikaremoana - the Lake Waikaremoana Welcome Centre is now open. Nestled into the surrounding native bush, the Welcome centre blends effortlessly into its place.

The building has been built to some of the highest environmental standards, and is constructed to meet the requirements of the Living Building Challenge.

The charred cladding reflects a tragic part of Tuhoe heritage, where the New Zealand Government unleashed a “scorched earth” policy against Tuhoe, burning their food and lands in the late 1800’s.

Abodo Wood, together with around fifteen Tuhoe Park rangers charred the exterior panels in Abodo Vulcan Cladding , known as “Pou” these panels flank each side of the building itself. A series of signage was then charred and installed around the site.

View the charring process video here.

The exterior of the building is clad in Vulcan weatherboards, with decking in Abodo’s Sand Decking. Feature exterior joinery and doors were produced by Arborline Doors in Vulcan timber.

The build was designed by Tennent Brown Architects, the building achieved a 2017 NZIA Branch Award.

How long does charred timber last? Read more here