Hundertwasser Art Centre

The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangārei is a stunning tribute to the Austrian artist and visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Designed by German architect Heinz M. Springmann and Grant Harris of HB Architecture in New Zealand, the centre embodies Hundertwasser’s unique philosophy of blending art, architecture, and nature.

The project highlights sustainability and community-driven collaboration at its core. Constructed using 40,000 recycled bricks, 1,600 cubic metres of repurposed native timber, 5,000 recycled pavers, and over 3,000 square metres of locally crafted tiles, the building reflects Hundertwasser’s eco-conscious vision.

The journey began in 1993 when Hundertwasser was invited to design an art gallery for Whangārei. Despite initial setbacks, the community’s determination turned his vision into reality. In 2014, a public referendum secured overwhelming support to repurpose the old Harbour Board building. With the Whangārei District Council pledging $2.97 million, over $20 million was raised within two years through grassroots efforts.

Construction officially began in 2018, overcoming challenges like budget overruns and COVID-19 disruptions. The centre opened on February 20, 2022, as a cultural beacon showcasing Hundertwasser’s art alongside contemporary Māori works.

At the heart of this architectural masterpiece is the 980m² Equus Soprema Duotherm Green Roof system, a testament to innovative design and advanced waterproofing technology. Equus Industries collaborated with HB Architecture to deliver a state-of-the-art waterproofing solution. The project involved over a decade of planning with designers and contractors to ensure functionality and sustainability.

The green roof features a durable, root-resistant DuO Landscape membrane installed over thermal insulation, ensuring long-lasting waterproofing. The warm roof system incorporates a tapered thermal insulation, a lightweight solution that promotes proper drainage on the flat concrete roofing substrate. Certified Equus Applicators, Whangārei Waterproofing Ltd, meticulously carried out the installation, safeguarding the building against New Zealand’s challenging weather conditions.

A filter fabric and drainage system were installed over the completed waterproofing membrane to ensure adequate drainage from the roof garden, further protecting the integrity of the waterproofing and the building.

As a safeguard, an Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) system was installed within the system; above the insulation but under the waterproofing layer to ensure any possible leaks over the life of the roof are detected as early as possible.

This living roof incorporates:

• 800m³ of engineered soil
• 150 trees and over 3,000 plants, including native, threatened, and endangered species
• A thriving ecosystem that supports plants, birds, and insects

Designed to endure extreme weather events, the roof also provides thermal and sound insulation, rainwater filtration, and stormwater management. By reducing energy consumption and improving air quality, the Duotherm Green Roof aligns perfectly with Hundertwasser’s eco-conscious ideals.

Beyond aesthetics and sustainability, the green roof is highly functional. It supports up to 200 visitors at a time, protecting the tāonga (sacred art) housed within, which requires stable ambient temperatures.

Warm Roofs provide their building with improved energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through the roof, protect the building structure from damage caused by condensation, and increase the lifespan of the roof. Costs are reduced over the roof’s lifetime due to reduced requirement for internal heating and cooling, and roof maintenance. Maintaining a stable indoor temperature was crucial for this design. This helps to protect the pieces inside the gallery from condensation, temperature changes, and humidity.

The roof garden was realised through a collaborative effort involving the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation, Springmann Architecture, HB Architecture, and urban and landscape experts. It exemplifies Hundertwasser’s philosophy of harmonizing architecture with nature, turning the centre into a living, breathing work of art.

The Hundertwasser Art Centre stands as a cultural landmark and a testament to the resilience and vision of the Whangārei community. It not only honours Hundertwasser’s legacy but also demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable design. Equus Industries’ Duotherm Green Roof Waterproofing system plays a pivotal role in the building’s design success.