Te Wharewaka O Poneke, Wellington

Te Wharewaka o Poneke is a ‘canoe house’ located beside the lagoon on the Wellington waterfront. The building accomodates and displays two historical Waka (canoe) which will be accessible for the public but will also occasionally be used out on the water.

Wharewaka is a significant arts venue as well as being the centrepiece for Wellington’s Rugby World Cup 2011 celebrations.

Architecture + of Wellington designed this $12 million facility which has recently been recognised at the 2011 Wellington Civic Trust Awards, winning the award for ‘Enhancement or Protection of the City’s Built Environment.’

ARDEX waterproofing products were chosen as part of the roofing system to ensure the absolute watertightness of this complex roofing profile. VM Zinc was used as the main roofing material.

Approximately 1000m² of ARDEX Shelterseal was used underneath this as a vapour/separation barrier.

1000m² of 1.5mm Dark Grey Butynol® was used in the hidden and exposed gutters of this complex roofline.

The area around the Wharewaka development will be transformed with marquees, bars and big screens for Rugby World Cup celebrations later this year. Within walking distance of the stadium, this architecturally designed building will form the backdrop for Wellington’s ‘Party Central’.

The building has a public cafe and will also be used for functions and art exhibitions.