A Northland building with rammed earth walls and a composite panel roof has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival awards to be held in Singapore later this year.
Rore Kahu (Soaring Hawk) overlooks Rangihoua Heritage Park in the northern Bay of Islands, the site of New Zealand's first European settlement, and was opened by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae last December.
The opening of the building, which serves as an entranceway to the park and the starting point of a pilgrim's way, was timed for the 200th anniversary of European settlement and the country's first recorded Christian service.
It was commissioned by the Marsden Cross Trust Board and designed by Cheshire Architects of Auckland. The roof was made by Warkworth-based Core Builders Composites, which also worked on Oracle's America's Cup boats.
Rore Kahu is one of 14 New Zealand projects, a record number, to make the shortlist this year. It is in the finals of the civic and community category. The festival is being held on November 4-6.
