Whakarewarewa Thermal Māori Village Cafe Wharekai
Tue Aug 05 2025
Project Description
Dr. Tanya Robinson, General Manager of Whakarewarewa Thermal Living Māori Village, approached Baytex to create a functional performance and dining space in the rear courtyard of their existing café and office building. Covered by 3.3m high block walls on three sides, the prior courtyard was an underutilised area filled with rubbish. The iwi requested a lightweight, tension membrane structure that connected to their historical roots.
Baytex designed and created a 16.1m wide by 16.8m deep (244 sqm) asymmetrical steel portal frame tension membrane structure. This new building features design elements reflective of the iwi’s existing structures, including a canopy resembling a canoe's prow and a carving of an ancestor at its apex. The front wall showcases a massive 5m bifold door and a 3.5m bifold window, lined with linear weatherboard outside and 12mm whitewashed vee-grooved plywood inside, mimicking the ambiance of a marae. Additionally, an internal acoustic membrane mesh ceiling was installed to enhance sound quality and temperature control.
Project Highlights
Unique Aspects
- Challenging Foundations: Establishing a foundation in a thermal area required innovative strategies to prevent thermal conduction. Foundation pads of a specific size were meticulously designed to address this issue.
- Complex Detailing: The detailing of the steel ladder trusses posed a significant challenge, resolved through advanced technology using a multi-faceted laser cutter by the structural fabricator.
- Acoustic Consideration: The design incorporated the Serge Ferrari acoustic mesh membrane close to the outer membrane to control sound reverberation during performances while allowing visibility of the intricate structural detailing.
Project Summary
The Cafe Wharekai building at Whakarewarewa Thermal Māori Village creates an engaging space for cultural performances and dining experiences, blending contemporary design with traditional heritage. Utilizing Serge Ferrari 902 White S2 fabric, the 244 sqm structure embodies the iwi's connection to kai and culture. Both the customer and iwi expressed immense satisfaction with the final result, leading to discussions for further collaboration within the village.
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