Header: Jason Mann
On the remote and rainy West Coast of New Zealand, architecture often fights a battle against the elements. However, the new Punangairi Visitor Centre in Punakaiki takes a different approach. Instead of trying to dominate the rugged landscape, this project by Sheppard & Rout Architects chooses to sit quietly within it. This respectful approach has earned international attention, winning the BLT Award for Architectural Design in the Commercial category, among other awards.
Guided by guardianship
The project is a partnership with Ngāti Waewae, the local Iwi and custodians of this land. The design team, led by Jasper Van der Lingen, worked to replace an old Department of Conservation facility that was too small and no longer fit for the job. The goal was to create something that followed the Māori values of kaitiakitanga, which means guardianship of nature, and manaakitanga, which is about treating guests with generosity.
The building is located on an existing lawn, meaning the construction team did not have to cut down the native rainforest to make room for it. It sits on pile foundations, lifting it off the ground to touch the earth as lightly as possible. This positioning allows the centre to curve around the natural clearing, pulling back from the main road to give visitors a safe and welcoming space to gather before they enter.
Mirroring the forest
The visual design takes its cues directly from the immediate surroundings. The exterior features vertical timber posts that serve a structural purpose but also mimic the look of the nīkau palm groves that circle the site. This choice helps the structure look like it belongs in the clearing rather than feeling like an intruder.
To further connect the building to its environment, the architects designed a living green roof. This roof was grown nearby and installed by local workers. It slopes gently to match the tree canopy and helps manage the heavy rainfall common in the region. By covering the top of the building in native plants, the centre reduces its visual impact, appearing as an extension of the forest floor when viewed from above.
Inside, the atmosphere is bright and open. High ceilings create lofty spaces that let in plenty of natural light, offering views of the bush and limestone cliffs outside. The interior design, led by Mel North, uses materials that feel warm and connected to the outdoors. The space includes a mezzanine level for community gatherings and areas specifically designed for local artists to display and sell their work, turning the building into a hub for culture as well as tourism.
A community effort
Constructing Punangairi was as much about people as it was about timber and glass. The project was part of a Provincial Growth Fund initiative designed to boost tourism and help the local workforce learn new skills. A large number of the builders on site were locals, and the project provided long-term jobs for the region. Even the timber used for construction was grown locally, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the regional economy.
The construction company, alongside the design team, prioritized regenerative building practices. They avoided heavy carbon materials where possible, choosing timber to lock carbon away. The result is a facility owned and operated by Ngāti Waewae that acts as a vessel for ancestral stories and a modern anchor for travelers.
The Punangairi Visitor Centre proves that small buildings can have a massive impact. By prioritizing local materials, local workers, and indigenous values, Sheppard & Rout Architects have delivered a space that heals and welcomes.
Project info
Design Company: Sheppard & Rout Architects
Lead Designer: Jasper Van der Lingen
Design Team: Steven Orr, Max Warren, Mel North, Thomas Strange, Duncan Barron
Architecture Firm: Sheppard & Rout Architects
Interior Designer: Mel North, Sheppard & Rout Architects
Lighting Design: Sheppard & Rout Architects & EnergyLight
Construction Company: Naylor Love
Photo Credit: Jason Mann
Project Location: Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand
Client: Ngati WaeWae – (Local Iwi)
Project Date: December 2024
