Opeke Marae Ablutions
Set against the picturesque Waioeka landscape, just before entering the Gisborne Gorge, lies this thoughtfully designed ablutions building. An integral first stage of the Marae’s wider development plan. With many of the existing structures requiring remediation, the trustees identified the need for a new ablutions building as the highest priority, ensuring it would be both functional and visually aligned with the Marae’s broader vision.
Our team provided comprehensive services, encompassing the building’s concepts, design, project management, and construction. Practicality was paramount: the facility caters to both males and females, and includes a dedicated crèche area for mothers. Durability and ease of maintenance guided the choice of exterior cladding Dimond Heritage Tray, complemented by Vertical Cedar Cladding at the gable ends and in the soffits. This material palette reflects the Marae’s signature colors of black and gold, imbuing the structure with a contemporary yet culturally resonant presence.
Inside, meticulous attention to detail is evident at every turn. Sensor-activated taps and LED mirrors speak to modern functionality, while accessible bathrooms and level-entry floors ensure universal usability. Feature walls of tile and strategically placed LED strip lighting add a refined sense of ambiance, and the sloped ceiling in the crèche area is enhanced by negative detailing for subtle visual interest. Although designed primarily to serve ablution needs, this building’s thoughtful architecture and finishes mirror the Marae’s aspiration for enduring beauty.
In keeping with the Marae’s broader environmental ethos, solar panels and water tanks have also been integrated, enabling a degree of self-sufficiency and minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. The result is a building that is at once practical, low-maintenance, and harmoniously woven into the natural landscape—honoring the Marae’s vision for a sustainable and vibrant future.
