Charred Wood Symbolic in Tūhoe’s Latest Living Building Project

The panels were created onsite by Iwi and Abodo staff members, using a traditional Japanese method of preserving wood (‘Shou Sugi Ban’) by burning the surface of the timber to varying degrees of char.

Where feasible, the building also uses locally sourced materials and labour. Importantly for Ngai Tūhoe, where the meaning behind the wood also plays its part, the wood fibre used for the project is locally sourced by Abodo from FSC® certified forests in the Kaingaroa region, most of which are on or close to Ngai Tūhoe land.

The Visitor’s Centre includes ticketing (for the great walk), café and kitchen, administration, retail and a wānanga space. The building is reflective of the lake and the surrounding geomorphology, designed by the talented architects at Tennent Brown.

We’re proud to work with Tūhoe on their second Living Building challenge, supplying Abodo sustainably harvested, eco-timber joinery and cladding.

The Visitor’s Centre opened on 23 December 2016.