A 400sqm multi purpose community centre in Luggate, 12km south of Wanaka. The centre replaces a 1950s earthquake prone building.

This project comprises a large multi-use hall, a flexible meeting space, entry foyer and a commercial kitchen and was commissioned by QLDC for the community, as a showcase for low-energy, sustainable design. The design team was made up of local consultants from WSP, Salmond Architecture, Hiberna, Holmes Fire and Plot Landscape. The project was managed by The Building Intelligence Group and the airtightness consultant was See Change.

The hall volume was carefully designed for acoustics to match as near as possible the demolished hall volume which was known for its good acoustics. This meant a high ceiling and large air volume. As the hall might at times be occupied by a dozen people and sometimes more than 200, this presented some challenges for the design of an efficient ventilation system in keeping with the Passive House requirements. The commercial kitchen also presented some challenges due to the high extract air volumes required for building code compliance, plus the need for precisely balanced air flowrates and heat recovery with separated air flows.

The hall was to be delivered on a strictly controlled council budget managed by Rider Levett Bucknall cost consultants. The design team chose to make the design as simple as possible to reduce complexity and cost. Prefabricated timber framed wall and roof panels by Hector Egger were chosen by the client as a local, low carbon, cost effective, sustainable construction solution. Timber framed triple glazed windows were a critical part of the Passive House design.

Summer time temperatures in Luggate sometimes exceed 30 degrees C and these conditions will sometimes coincide with peak occupancy. The design includes moveable solar shading in order to reduce the cooling load.

Supply chain issues caused by COVID-19 caused some delays and cost and sourcing implications but the contractor, Breen, rose to the challenge and have meticulously delivered the Passive House requirements to date. Certification is pending practical completion, final blower door test and ventilation commissioning.

The centre is due for completion in October 2022.