Claudelands award-winning design is sympathetic to the unique cultural and ecological nature of the area.
Reflecting culture and heritage
Many of the principal design elements of Claudelands derive from the culture and heritage of Te Papanui.
- A Kahu huruhuru or ‘feathered cloak’ greets guests in the conference centre foyer, celebrating the weaving together of people.
- The ‘Arena Veil’ reflects the forest canopy.
- The structural columns are reminiscent of the indigenous trees that covered the Te Papanui forest
- The dancing tao spears of the hunters were also inspirational to the design.
- The colours used within the venue are distinctive to Te Papanui’s native birds, including the blue of the Kokako, the red of the Kaka, the orange feathers of the Tieke and the bright yellow feathers of the Hihi.
The design team from architects Chow:Hill consulted with ecological and cultural advisers to ensure Claudelands incorporated heritage into the architecture, interior and landscape design.
Consultation with local iwi through the input of Wiremu Puke, the cultural adviser to Hamilton’s Urban Design Panel, revealed a pre-European relationship with the natural landscape of Claudelands Park. This was one of the largest remnants of indigenous forest and an area renowned as native bird hunting ground – also known as ‘Te Papanui’ (a bird snarer’s seat).
Chow:Hill managing director Anthony Flannery said they began by simply asking Mr Puke to explain the story of the site.
“From that we integrated references to its history by creating a building that could not be anywhere else,” he said.
“We wanted to be a part of the next moment to add the next chapter, if you like. To be as a child is to the parent - respectful yet audacious and forward-looking.”
To ensure the technical aspects of the design were of international standard and best-practice, Chow:Hill brought in the Brisbane office of Populous as partner architect for their globally-recognised expertise in the design of sports facilities.
Sustainable Design
During the redevelopment of Claudelands, the design team had a strong focus on environmental sustainability – from all aspects of construction through to the ongoing operation of the venue. Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) elements have been incorporated into all phases of the project, including minimisation of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation and use of environmentally friendly materials. Almost 9000 new shrubs and over 100 additional trees have been planted on site.
Installation of high efficiency air conditioning systems, energy efficient lighting and lighting control systems, and installation of the latest LED street and pedestrian lighting help to minimise the venue’s energy usage. More than 90 per cent of demolition materials were recycled – some went back into the new construction of the building. The building was designed to the equivalent of a 4.5 Green Star rating.
Awards
The brief of designing a world-class facility for Hamilton that could lay claim to being one of the best in Australasia was finally fulfilled, and in October 2011, Claudelands received two NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards – the Public Architecture Award and the Resene Colour Award. This recognition is a testament to all who have been involved with the redevelopment of Claudelands.