Description:

The Kopupaka Reserve Bridges project demonstrates how urban growth can be balanced with ecological restoration to create new public spaces that deeply reflect Māori cultural values.

The project was commissioned by Auckland Council to provide safe passage across the Kopupaka wetland, while also creating an iconic landmark that enhances the area’s visual appeal. The result is a set of two striking bridges that create a unique, visually stunning and memorable experience for visitors to the reserve.

The two interconnected curved timber bridges with black powder-coated steel balustrades were developed and fabricated so that they blend seamlessly into the natural wetlands, as well as complement the flowing design of the existing wooden crib structures within the reserve.

The fin-like design of the balustrades reflects the life and movement of Waiwhakataratara stream below and acknowledges the tapu of passing over the water. This flared shape and subtle widening of the deck encourages pedestrians to pause and connect with the natural surroundings – to lean over and look down – connecting with the life force of the water and the tuna (eel) and other creatures inhabiting the landscape below.

The bridges rest their timber superstructures on timber piles to minimise impact on the wetland during construction, and blend into the natural surrounds. Black, water based timber stains were used on the beams to tie into the materiality of the existing stained radiata crib structures on site.

The balustrades are fabricated from steel fins with a shimmering black paint finish. Through the flared section of the bridge each fin is custom cut and welded in accordance with the complex curvature from a digital 3D model. Handrails are steam bent from exotic hardwood to ensure durability, longevity and strength to cover long spans to minimise fixings. Pine decking radiates to follow the curvature.

The bridges are unified by two pou whenua erected at the outer entrances. Te Kawerau ā Maki’s Tyler Taua-Gordon created artwork for each of the pou, which were CNC routed into large slabs of rough sawn Totara. The two pou represent kaitiaki (guardians) of Te Kawerau ā Maki and this area. Kawau (the black shag) is a kaitiaki of Te Kawerau ā Maki that carries messages and watches over their wider rohe. The Mokai ō Kahu (the pet of Kahu) is a benevolent taniwha that guards Wai Roa ō Kahu (Upper Harbour) and its tributaries. In Te Kawerau ā Maki traditions, Mokai usually took the form of a shark. These beautiful pou further reinforce the cultural significance of the project and represent the connection between the local Māori community and the land.

From the outset the project utilised a design-led approach that fully integrated community amenities with engineering solutions and ecological outcomes. Working collaboratively with Te Kawerau ā Maki enabled us to design two beautiful, unique, functional structures that take users on a journey, connect them with a strong cultural narrative that is significant to tangata whenua, and provides a safe and convenient connection across Waiwhakataratara.

Photography by David St George