New Zealand’s Eco Supreme Court Building Lays Down the Law

The new <a href="http://courtsofnz.govt.nz/about/supreme/the-supreme-court-complex" target="_blank">Supreme Court of New Zealand</a> 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, <a href="http://www.warrenandmahoney.com/" target="_blank">Warren &amp; Mahoney</a> designed the building along with the renovation of the adjacent High Court building, and they were recently awarded a <a href="http://bestawards.co.nz/entries/spatial/the-supreme-court-of-new-zealand/" target="_blank">Gold Best Award</a> for their work.

The new Supreme Court Building was completed in 2004 along with the renovation of the old High Court building.

The recycled metal shade screen provides privacy, sun shading, glare control and protection from the weather on the second story.

The paneled courtroom is made up of 2294 silver beech panels angled and shaped to enhance acoustics.

A skylight from the roof brings natural daylight into the inner sanctum.

Surrounding the central courtroom are administrative offices, judges chambers, and a library.

Energy efficient design was a factor in the design of the building. Warren &amp; Mahoney included double glazed windows, low-energy lighting and an efficient air handling system.

The lower level features floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light and connect the court building with the activity on the streets.

An interior view of the building's recycled metal shade screen

The court building features 2.5 km of shelving for library and book storage.

The shade screen wraps the entire building. It was influenced by the native Rata and Pohutukawa trees.

The new court building sits adjacent to the historic High Court building.

The new building respects the historic traditions of New Zealand's past by limiting the scale of the building to two stories.

A renovation of the old High Court building coincided with the construction of the new Supreme Court in 2004.