Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library

Crafting a new knowledge hub

Kingston carpet tiles in custom colours feature in a new library that serves the growing community of Hamilton’s Rototuna North. Interior designers Designwell have brought to life narratives from mana whenua and the local environment in these new public spaces.

‘Hamilton had never had a new, bespoke library before,’ says Designwell’s Alexander Wastney, ‘so it was an opportunity to create something that reflects the way libraries have shifted toward a community hub and multi-use space. Through consultation with mana whenua, the council were gifted a name for the building: Te Kete Aronui, one of the baskets of knowledge in Māori folklore.’

Custom colours for a unique design

Working with motifs inspired by the surroundings, Designwell commissioned Advance to create Kingston carpet tiles in custom colours to reflect the wetlands which provide context for the site.

The interior was separated into zones – a youth zone, a kids’ zone, a café – using the carpet to create geometric ‘islands’. These are laid in a chevron pattern called niho taniwha, a prominent design in the Waikato region, that is also incorporated into the architecture, wall graphics and internal steel supports.

Flooring that represents the community

To protect the interior flooring, the designers specified the Gecko entrance tile. ‘Advance are renowned for their entrance matting,’ notes Alexander, ‘and the Gecko tile is good for intense wear entrance areas. With two wind lobbies that open onto vinyl flooring, we needed something that would effectively trap dirt and moisture.’

With the combination of Kingston carpet tile and Gecko entry tiles, Designwell were able to help create a library that truly reflects the community it serves.

‘The library had to be community focused and represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Rototuna North. The carpet and floor design was one of the most successful parts of the project. That common thread really does create something special.’