Transforming an undeveloped piece of land to create a community hub

Tamahere Village is located in the rural southern outskirts of Hamilton City, in a strong population growth area.

The design for the Tamahere Village, Piazza and Recreation Reserve creates a unique, high-quality, flexible community space that reflects the rural character of Tamahere.

We collaborated with Waikato District Council, Foster Develop and the Tamahere Community Committee to develop a vision for the look, feel and function of the village, piazza and park, to create long-lasting and flexible spaces which add real value to the local community.

Location

Waikato

Project team

Dave Moule
Amber Roling

Worked with

BCD Group
Innerscape Limited
Wingate Architects

Project date

2016 - 2018

The project is made up of five spaces - the village, a piazza framed by the village buildings, a play space, a skate park and a multi-sport field; a shared path connects to the neighbouring Tamahere Model Country School.

The piazza is a focal point for the civic and social life of Tamahere, a multi-functional outdoor space, accessible by everyone for impromptu and organised gatherings, picnics, open-air cinema, concerts and plays. The linear bands of benches, stone and concrete, lawn and planting, reference the surrounding rural character and horticultural landscape patterns. The material palette has been carefully selected for its natural character, simplicity and sustainability. The aggregate bands, four metres wide, match a standard four-by-four market site. The recycled hardwood timber furniture and light columns are weathered with a unique history and character from years of use.

We worked closely with Ngaati Hauaa to meaningfully acknowledge and embed the values and narratives of mana whenua in the project and ensure strong support of the storytelling and end design.

Tamahere is recognised as the birthplace of Wiremu Tamihana Tarapipipi, whose leadership unified and solidified a movement of people. The paving design at the village entry to the park represents the historical, cultural and leadership values connecting all people in the local community of Tamahere.

This project has transformed an undeveloped piece of land in the heart of Tamahere into a boutique retail and commercial village, park and meeting place for the local community.

image-5