FOCAL POINT: An image developed by Gil-plans Architecture featuring a visitor hub at Queen Elizabeth Park.
FOCAL POINT: An image developed by Gil-plans Architecture featuring a visitor hub at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Construction of an architecturally stunning visitor hub in Kapiti's Queen Elizabeth Park is underway.
The $1.6m hub, near the entrance at Mackays Crossing, will comprise a number of features from a bookable meeting room for community groups and other events, which is capable of seating 60 people, a covered deck area featuring displays of the parks deep human history and unique natural environment, a new park ranger office as well as visitor toilets.
The hub would "provide a real added dimension to visiting the park," Greater Wellington Regional Council parks and recreation portfolio leader Nigel Wilson said.
"We expect it will become the focal point of the park for many people."
INVITING: An image developed by Gil-plans Architecture featuring a meeting room in a visitor hub at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Photo: Gil-plans Architecture
Ben Gilpin, from Paraparaumu based Gil-plans Architecture, has worked hard to come up with a design, in consultation with lots of others including iwi and Archeological New Zealand, which responds and draws inspiration from the park's rich and diverse history from its lengthy Maori heritage as well as US Marines occupation during World War Two.
"It has been a great job to be involved in," said Ben, who started working on the project in January last year.
"I'm excited to see it built by Ryder Builders as well as subcontractors who are also local companies.
"It's a striking building that will be well received."
He said the design incorporated two separate gable buildings linked via a gullwing roof, tilted walls and large decks for mixed use, which referred both to the traditional Maori wharenui and tent structures from the Marine camp.
TASTEFUL: A graphic by Gil-plans Architecture featuring part of the visitor hub.
Photo: Gil-plans Architecture
"The gable forms are similar to that of traditional Maori wharenui and the walls are tilted to 10 degrees also providing reference to the tent structures from the Marine camp.
"With the use of timber battens and the separation of the buildings it creates a strong connection to a traditional pa site.
"The central posts supporting the gullwing roof are to be adorned with carved pou by local iwi further enhancing the Maori and ancestral connection to the site.
"The angled screens resemble typical tent flys and the gullwing roof references the coastal environment the building is set in.
"Durable, rich and warm materials were selected for a robust design that will be preserved for many years to come."
To make way for the hub, the current park ranger's office has been re-located deeper into the park, off Whareroa Rd, just west of the US Marines Memorial.
The hub, funded by Wellington Regional Council, is expected to be finished by early April next year.
