Restoration of a site containing a Significant Natural Area that also once included labour missionary housing. The labour missionaries were instrumental in the construction of the Hamilton Temple and many of the original buildings that populated Temple View. Legacy Park was developed to honour this legacy.

Containing a stand of Kahikatea (designated a Significant Natural Area) this project daylighted a piped water course and created a pond area to replenish the moisture levels to the stand. A series of board walks were created around the stream and within the Kahikatea stand to protect the root system and provide dry access across the natural marsh land. The wider banks were replanted with range of riparian sedges and grasses to rehabilitate the site.

As part of the interpretation of the site a number of bespoke shelters were created, replicating the floor area of the original labour missionary housing, providing an opportunity for reflection and include different levels of interpretation, some explicitly telling their story, while others explore the nature of shelter and reward more attentive observation.

The overall scheme is deceptively simple, with the developments brought together using a consistent colour palette and materials, while variation in the manipulation of the materials helps provides legibility of the discrete spaces within the design.

The project included:
  • Concept design.
  • Resource consent plans.
  • Developed design.
  • Working drawings through to construction observation.