We are pleased to present our new logo and showcase some recent projects. They illustrate our approach of applying years of experience and expertise in sustainable design to provide clients with naturally comfortable, efficient buildings. These attributes are brought together in projects throughout New Zealand and offshore.

Some sites present more challenges than others. For instance, the climatic challenges in the Tokelau atolls are different from those in New Zealand, but the need for architecture that exhibits environmentally sustainable design is a key to the long-term success of all projects.

We congratulate all our clients on avoiding superficial, enabling us to develop well research solutions over many exciting commissions.

Rural retreat
New design studios for Drama School
Community buildings for Tokelau
Sunny suburban renovations
BRANZ seminar series
Rockstar in Khandallah

In their quest for a more sustainable lifestyle, the owners have planted extensive areas of trees for cropping and orchards, and crated a dam for irrigation and future power generation. Inside, they have opted for a Rayburn stove with wetback; plus solar water heating, active solar space heating, automated window ventilation, and rainwater storage.

The house includes slate-on-concrete floor slabs, macrocarpa and fibre cement cladding, and Coloursteel roofing. The contractor was Multibuild construction.

More about the Waikanae Rural retreat.

New design studios for Drama School

The Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School engaged Aonui Architecture to convert previously under-used back stage areas into new facilities for the growing Design for Stage and Screen department. Three studios, a workshop, exhibitions space, and an office, as well as a secure archive for the Nola Miller Library, have been inserted over two levels in the lofty former Winter Show buildings, which date from 1929. The studios are connected internally with the Plaza via new suspension bridge and stairs.

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For director Annie Ruth and head of design Penny Fitt, maximising natural light and ventilation was a vital consideration in this previously introverted structure that underwent an initial internal conversion for the co-located Schools of Dance and Drama in 1996.

An important secondary objective, identified by Aonui, was to use the new north wall penetrations to reveal to the Newtown/Mt Cook neighbourhood some of the activity and vibrancy which abounds within. The Maycroft Construction contract was completed in August 2009.

Aonui has previously designed a new Costume Workshop for Toi Whakaari and prepared a 10-year strategic development plan for the whole site.

More about Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre.

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Community buildings for Tokelau

Tropical climate conditions and the risk of cyclone inundation called for particular environmentally sustainable design measures, such as two-storeyed concrete framed structures able to withstand wave wash and placing the most valuable fitout functions on the upper floors.

Wide eaves shade the masonry, allowing the concrete to be a cooling thermal mass. External access balconies on separated wings maximise cross flow cooling. Rainwater tanks occupy 1.5m of subfloor depth – roofs are the only source of fresh water at Tokelau.

Project coordinator and engineer: CPG New Zealand Ltd.

Sunny suburban renovations

Two recently completed Wellington projects – in Wadestown and Johnsonville – make the most of their northerly aspect to create anew warm living spaces for growing families.

1970s glazed extension 1950s

On the left is a 1970s single glazed extension, on the right, a 1950s state house, previously cold and draughty. In each case, extensive double glazing the sun trap spaces attracts maximum solar energy which circulates through the remainder of the house or is vented through opening windows on occasions when it is not needed.

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BRANZ seminar series

Director Richard Wright was the guest presenter for a recent seminar series on Passive Solar Design – part of a BRANZ's Sustainability Series. Case studies of Aonui Architecture projects were analysed along with best practice methods established by BRANZ building scientists.

Rockstar in Khandallah

Our clients with a cold old house and warm site have selected a SohoVentpac Rockstar active solar heating system for their Aonui-designed refurbishment. The rockbin located under the sun space has been filled with 12m3 of Otaki river boulders to act as a thermal store for the rejuvenated Art Deco house.