Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre

This project provides a first ‘Kiwi home’ to generations of refugees arriving in Aotearoa to commence a new life. The design response consciously creates a ‘nation building’. Brick selected because of its global use as a cladding material references the building blocks of society, whilst also achieving superior whole-of-life costs and low maintenance. The entrance, marked by a Waka form, acknowledges the journey made by those who arrive here.

The centre is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, welcoming new Kiwis and hosting them for a six-week period while they learn about life in New Zealand and receive a range of orientation services.