Tūranga, Christchurch City Library

A landmark public library is bringing the community back into Christchurch city following the earthquakes and loss of its central library.

Working with Architectus, Powell Fenwick provided the building services, fire, acoustics and GSAP services for the Christchurch City Council project. Spread over five stories connected by a large central atrium, each floor is linked by eye-catching staggered staircases, while the façade of the building is architecturally designed to reflect the golden light of the Port Hills and native harakeke.

Tūranga is one of the first public buildings in New Zealand to achieve a 5 Green Star rating. Energy modelling showed that when compared to similar buildings, Tūranga used 72 percent less energy and emitted 72 percent fewer greenhouse gasses.

The 5 Green Star rating was achieved through an array of technical features, including high efficiency ground source artesian heat pump heating and cooling systems with heat recovery, low global-warming potential refrigerants, zero ozone-depletion potential refrigerants and insulants, electrical sub-metering and energy monitoring in operation, and reduced peak stormwater flows.

Further green features can be found throughout the building, such as automatic external solar blinds – which reduce the need for summer cooling – water efficient sanitary fittings and fixtures, and energy efficient lighting systems with occupancy sensors and daylight dimming.

Striving for a high rating pushed the design and construction teams to reuse and recycle over 70 percent of the building and demolition waste – adding to the project’s overall sustainability.

Tūranga has since been widely recognised: winning and being nominated for a raft of local, national and international awards.