| 71 T T Karen Phelps Airport terminal shortlisted Placement of the Mauri stone and rimu enhance the connection to the local environment at Taupo Airport. Photo: Simon Devitt Shelter Architects ARCHITECTURE Taupo based Shelter Architects has garnered significant attention for its work on the Taupo Airport Terminal project, which was shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Waikato and Bay of Plenty New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards in the Commercial Architecture category. The project, commissioned by the Taupo Airport Authority and Taupo District Council, aimed to create a modern and functional terminal that surpassed the requirements outlined in a Terminal Development plan by Airbiz. Shelter Architects lead architect Paul Raven says that the building needed to establish a strong connection with the local community and serve as a welcoming gateway for both residents and visitors alike. “Visitors needed to know where they are, and locals needed to feel at home.” To achieve this Shelter Architects designed a simple shed form that aligned harmoniously with the runway. The angled walls and ridgeline directed attention towards the Tauhara in the north and Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe in the south. Paul says that the project site posed several constraints and challenges but highlights that the airport remained fully operational throughout the construction period, necessitating careful planning and adherence to security and operational restraints. “To mitigate these challenges, the site for the new terminal was shifted to the south, allowing uninterrupted operations of the existing terminal and reducing costs,” he explains. Material selection also played a crucial role in the project’s success with budget constraints and operational requirements driving the decision-making process. Shelter Architects emphasised the use of a simple shed steel portal structure, aligned with the runway and apron. In terms of sustainability the Taupo District Council prioritised providing employment opportunities for the region. T T to page 72 “Visitors needed to know where they are, and locals needed to feel at home.” Proudly Associated with Shelter Architects 07 376 5195 • Commercial Projects • Solar Power • Air Conditioning www.offgridelectrical.nz 07 378 4157 / 0274 714 793 info@wattsconstruction.co.nz www.wattsconstruction.co.nz Watts Construction as main contractor for this iconic building are proud to be associatedwith Shelter Architects
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