Ashburton District Council | Canterbury

A multi-functional facility designed to serve as a cornerstone for the community.

Location: Ashburton | Size: 6,500m²

Ashburton District Council recently unveiled Te Whare Whakatere, its new library and civic centre.

The project's primary objective was to create a modern, versatile space that could accommodate a wide range of public services, as well as being highly energy efficient.

Working in collaboration with various stakeholders, the building contains a state-of-the-art library, meeting rooms/event spaces, public and staff amenities, a café, a recording studio and learning lab, executive suites, Council offices, and an IL4 Emergency Operations Centre.

At the core of this project was the implementation of cutting-edge construction techniques and materials. The building's foundation utilises screw piles and ground beams, while the superstructure features engineered timber reinforced with post-tensioned steel cables and brackets. This unique design allows the building to rock during an earthquake and settle back into place, enhancing its resilience.

To complement the innovative architecture, a range of specially selected furniture solutions were incorporated throughout the facility. Aspect’s Habitat 4- and 6-person acoustic booths were chosen to provide private spaces for focused work and small group discussions. The staff areas feature Activate workstations equipped with Reach monitor arms and WorkTotes.

Zurich steel storage units offer practical storage solutions, while the Sector 2 leaners provide collaborative workspaces. Skin chairs and stools were added throughout the centre to provide comfortable seating, alongside several coffee and side tables.

A key factor in the project's success was the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The Naylor Love team created a federated model combining eight separate models, which facilitated coordination between suppliers, consultants, and subcontractors.

The carefully chosen furniture solutions further enhance the user experience, creating a truly unique and welcoming space for the Ashburton community.

Te Whare Whakatere incorporates numerous sustainable and energy-efficient features, such as heat pumps utilising well water, a sophisticated Building Management System for energy monitoring, solar shading, and an adaptive LED lighting system. The building was awarded excellence in the 'Sustainable Building Property Award' by the Property Council New Zealand.

The successful delivery of Te Whare Whakatere demonstrates the power of innovative design, advanced technology, and collaborative project management in creating a multifaceted community hub.

Furniture included

Activate workstations, Zurich steel units, Portone task chair, Habitat acoustic booths, Platform leaner, Sector 2 leaner, Skin chair, Fold exterior table, Low stools, Sky table, Low back 2 seater, Agility tables, mobile whiteboard, privacy screens, monitor arms and worktotes. Border coffee and side tables, Formway task chairs.

Custom solutions included

Locker room bench seats, modular soft seating (children’s library), upholstered seating accessories for community areas