This building is the built intersection of paired aspirations; the Nelson region's requirement for a leading edge arts teaching facility and the NZ governement's objective for a landmark timber structure that showcases structural timber within architecture. Fulfilling both functions, the building is a venue for arts teaching and exhibition and a tool to educate the NZ construction industry in creative structural timber use.
Timber is used as structure, but further to warm, articulate and de-institutionalise the teaching environment. All timber elements are left on show to express their function and highlight timber's potential as a design and structural element.
Laminated Veneer Timber (LVL) is used for all structural components, incorporating world first seismic engineering using post tensioned timber shear walls.
All structural components are grown, milled and manufactured within an 80km "Radius of Source". Sustainable passive approaches to daylighting, ventilation and shading combine with double glazing to reduce energy use.