Description:

Ara Hauroki is a Papakāinga housing project that aims to design a sustainable, culturally resonant living environment for 100 members of the Ngāti Awa iwi. The project's core objective is to create a housing footprint that "touches the earth lightly," aligning with Māori values and principles. This includes extensive research into the cultural, environmental, and historical context of the site.

The cultural significance of the buildings form was derived from the site itself, maximising the north facing areas, but also providing a link to the Rangitaki (river) and Putauki (the mountain). The project roots in Māori culture, emphasising whanagtanga (kinship), kotahitanga (unity) and manaakitanga (hospitality) by providing flexible spaces in both the public and private areas.

Primarily constructed out of locally sourced timbers, the natural material palette is a no to traditional Māori construction techniques and to the whenua in which is sits. The combination of the sustainable timbers and practises such as rainwater collection is emphasised. Flood risk posed a significant challenge due to the buildings proximity to Rangitāiki river. Therefore elevation of spaces was carefully consider, and flood mitigation measures were implemented maintaining the mauri (life force) of the of the environment within the design.

Through the research process, the significance of Kai (food) in Māori culture was highlighted, reflected in the project by separation of living and eating spaces. Providing a central kitchen allowed kai to fuel social activity, while also respecting Māori tradition by keeping spaces related to food preparation separate to those that are related to sanitation.

Innovative approaches were employed to integrate land and community through this concept of Kai, reflecting and growing the Māori horticulture in Te Teko. This served not only as a generator for purpose and design, but also as a strategic component of the projects economic viability and sustainability. Communal and individual horticultural activities were leveraged to generate income, reduce living costs and foster community engagement.

Ara Hauroki seeks not to disturb the original vernacular, but also not to completely blend in. It creates a landmark of whanaungatanga and the whenua with slatted facades and transulscent panels. Rising ever so slightly higher than its adjacent structures. It is through the concept of Kai that the architecture forms a connection between its people and its land.

A distinctive feature of this project is that the design process was carried out entirely in physical formats, without the use of 3d modelling or software, this allowed for extension engagement from external parties, facilitating iterative feedback and refinement. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship in design reinforced the authenticity of the response to the brief, ensuring accurate representation in every detail.

Overall, Ara Hauroki is more than just a housing project. It is a comprehensive building that embodies the values and aspirations of the Ngāti Awa Iwi. By integrating cultural heritage with modern sustainable design, the project creates a living environment that is both respectful of the past while being a vision for the future.