Te Ara Pounamu, West Coast

The Te Ara Pounamu building is a world-class tourist attraction created by Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Wētā Workshop and is located in the centre of the Greymouth CBD.

The architects RM Designs were approached by the stakeholders of Ngāi Tahu Pokeka Poutini, who described a world class tourism venue utilising mass timber to be built in Greymouth Māwhera. They understood benefits of both health and sustainability around timber.

RM Designs worked closely with the Design Windows West Coast, architectural designers, the engineers and Tony Wilkins Builders the head contractor to provide the aesthetic required.  Offering buildability alternatives, we were able to deliver the curtain wall to the project, within budget.

An added benefit in the supply was E glass which helped contribute to, and improve the H1 and insulation value of the entire building

“The Design windows team became part of the Design for Manufacture and Assembly team in the projects, and had a real influence on the captivating result” said Bernie O’Fagan director of RM Designs.

The building has elevated the Greymouth CBD, Mayor Tania Gibson said “The Pounamu Pathway is a game changer for our town and region.  I have been so excited to watch the build progress. This high value tourist attraction will become a destination, for visitors and locals alike and it is nothing like our region has ever seen before, we are so privileged to be having this stunning new attraction in our CBD. As you enter our CBD now it is the first thing you see with its impressive design and unique look it will now draw visitors in to visit to learn the stories of our past.

The Windows & Doors:

• Altherm Metro Series – 125mm Flushglaze
• Low-E Xcel Double Glazing
• Matt Ironsand Colour
• Urbo Hardware