The new Supreme Court of New Zealand is a stunning feat of architecture that embodies the country's traditions and history while serving as a model of sustainability. Located in Wellington, the civic building was inspired by native plants of New Zealand and makes use of local and sustainable materials throughout its construction. New Zealand-based, Warren & Mahoney designed the building along with the renovation of the adjacent High Court building, and they were recently awarded a Gold Best Award for their work.
The new Supreme Court Building was completed in 2009 along with the renovation of the old High Court building. Rather than building a massive multi-story structure, Waren & Mahoney settled on a two-story square building, whose scale respects the tradition of the historic court, but still possessed its own distinct identity.
An 8 meter tall bronze screen, influenced by native Rata and Pohutukawa trees with red glass “flowers”, wraps the entire courthouse and serves as a shade screen. Made from recycled metal, the screen provides privacy for the interior offices, solar shading, glare control and weather protection.
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A great project. I love it but….there is one comment that I would like to make. It seems as though the facade is not grounded and a great pity the column were not considered as an integral feature also, both inside and out. Maybe the they could have been decorated in some way also to compliment the foliage of the design? It would also provide a feeling from inside that you were enveloped by the outer skin…. leading you into the main body if you like.
PS If I make a mistake with my typing it is because this site has ads that run completely over one side of the allotted space!
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The courtroom looks a bit like SOM’s Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. Otherwise an interesting project …