| 81 Your trusted partner in sustainable architecture and engineering. Structural Engineering | Civil Engineering | Architectural Design Innovative & sustainable solutions with Taiao In Northland and Auckland, Taiao Architecture and Engineering has a passion for providing sustainable architectural and engineering solutions that are functional, well-considered and respectful of the environment. The consultancy specialises in structural, civil, geotechnical and architectural design engineering that embraces Te Taiao – the natural world. “In Te Reo Māori, one word can mean so much,ˮ observes Director Nev Wilson, who founded the design consultancy in 2021. “‘Taiaoʼ means more than just ‘earthʼ or ‘natureʼ – it refers to the way people and the natural world are interconnected. This concept guides how we design buildings and deliver civil engineering solutions. We want our work to reflect our values and our vision for a better, more sustainable future.ˮ Nev studied civil engineering at the University of Canterbury, before working in the field and gaining experience in structural, civil, geotechnical, and coastal engineering. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he and wife Rachel decided to sell up in Rotorua and start a new life in the Bay of Islands. It led them to an architectural holiday home project, “Hihitahi Dreamingˮ in Paihia. This steep-site, three-storey build showcases what can be achieved in a complex environment using creativity and technical excellence. Nev says the experience of designing and building this beautiful signature home coincided with starting the new consultancy. Fellow engineer and Northland earth building specialist Grant Stevens, who was seeking to step back from engineering at the time, provided much encouragement as Taiao Architecture and Engineering got underway. Today, earth building and natural design is a specialist area of expertise for Taiao. Working full-time with Nev are two other very capable specialist engineers, Jamie Nguyen and Dylan Kaufman. “Engineering and design is quite a complex and time heavy industry, so Iʼm really grateful to have such a great team. We pride ourselves on our ability to understand the architectural intent and work together to achieve the best results we can for our clients.ˮ Taiao regularly provides sustainable engineering solutions for local companies, such as Northland-based 35 Below Architectural Design. Like Nev and Rachel, Adam and Alana at 35 Below are raising a young family and are passionate about achieving quality outcomes for land and people. “Weʼve been working with 35 Below on new build and renovation projects for the past two years or more now – it has been a really positive journey for all of us.ˮ Nev and Rachel are currently building a striking Spanish-style stone and plaster house on their own family property as a secondary dwelling. While modest in scale, this unique building is meticulously detailed with imported tiles from Spain, timber joinery and limestone cladding. “The concept is high end because weʼre thinking it could be our retirement home in 20 yearsʼ time!ˮ Other notable projects include: • Multiple architecturally designed rammed earth homes • Geotechnical and structural engineering services for the Te Hangāruru and Te Ara Mangawhero Mountains to Sea project on Mount Ruapehu • Structural engineering for the Tikipunga High School B and I block redevelopment in Whangārei • Structural engineering for the Kaitaia College K Wing and Hall redevelopment • Civil and structural engineering for the new administration building at Pigeon Mount Primary School in Bucklands Beach, Auckland. ENQUIRE TODAY taiao-design.com team@taiao-design.com 022 648 3241
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