Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre

The nation’s meeting place

Sector

Public buildings

Applications

Common & high traffic areas

Architect

Studio Pacific Architecture

Photographer

Jason Mann

Writer

Folio

Products used

ExtraTread

Advance Flooring - Entrance Matting System - Architectural

ExtraTread is a premium aluminium and carpet strip mat with extra-wide infills engineered for 37% greater water absorption than comparable mats. Its ultra-low 10mm profile and plush design make it ideal for high-quality entrances. With a variety of polyamide and rubber insert colours, it offers a stylish, customised look.

Insert

SY82 - Basalt

Base

Natural

THE IDEA

A grand space to welcome local and international exhibitors

Presented as ‘the nation’s meeting place’, Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre is the capital’s largest built infrastructure investment in two decades. ExtraTread entrance matting from Advance Flooring was chosen to welcome everyone who meets there.

Heavy-duty ExtraTread protects and enhances the ground-floor entryways, leading to the public foyer and a 1280 sqm Exhibition Gallery – the largest in New Zealand – designed to host leading international touring exhibitions.

THE DESIGN

A reflection of Wellington’s dramatic land and cityscape

‘As a gathering point within the city, Tākina expresses in its form and materiality the essence of place,’ says Stephen McDougall from Studio Pacific Architecture. ‘The building has a unique sculptural form that draws inspiration from maritime location and the dramatic local weather patterns and landforms.’

Because it is manufactured in New Zealand, ExtraTread can be made to measure in large sections to ensure a seamless design aesthetic. This has allowed Studio Pacific to create entranceways which flow elegantly through to Tākina’s interior, blending with the cityscape. ‘The interior is deliberately restrained,’ adds Stephen, ‘with careful use of earthy and bold colours and finishes throughout.’

THE OUTCOME

Outstanding performance with strong environmental credentials

The designers set high environmental standards for the convention centre, and ExtraTread with polyamide inserts is Declare and Global GreenTag-certified, making it an ideal choice for Tākina.

The building is 5-star Green Star design-certified – the first convention centre in the country to achieve this standard,’ says Stephen. ‘It is designed to emit up to 70 per cent less carbon and use up to 70 per cent less energy than similar buildings, representing New Zealand excellence in environmental sustainability.’

Stephen McDougall

Studio Pacific Architecture

"The interior is deliberately restrained, with careful use of earthy and bold colours and finishes throughout."