Pā Reo

Campus

Pā Reo Campus is envisioned to reflect and support ngā kaupapa o Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Creation of Pā Reo - an enclave of one administrative (Te Moana o Raukawa) and three research and educational facilities (Waitapu, Rangataua, Mīria te Kakara), within a broader campus master plan, to support te reo Māori ānake. This project is the fourth project to be constructed by Tennent Brown at the Wānanga, and represents a strong ongoing relationship. The design exercises efficient use of built spaces and economy of design, manifesting in low ongoing maintenance costs and flexible spaces.

This project is designed and built to become a fully certified Living Building, of which there are more than 30 in the world. The design is resilient to, and supportive of, natural processes in particular water (stormwater and flood protection). It prioritises people on campus, creating spaces for people and pedestrians over vehicles, whilst still managing accessibility, parking and delivery. Connection to significant landforms and cultural history (places such as Tararua range, Kāpiti, Rangiātea and Urupā, te moana and adjacent wetland elements are all considered.

PĀ REO - LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE SUMMARY

Pā Reo, located at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki, is a landmark educational project by Tennent Brown Architects that exemplifies regenerative design through the Living Building Challenge (LBC) 4.0. The project embraces all seven LBC Petals—Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty—demonstrating a holistic commitment to sustainability, cultural integrity, and community wellbeing.

Place Petal:
The project revitalised a brownfield site, restoring historic wetlands and integrating native planting, Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine), and Māra Kai (food gardens). It fosters ecological regeneration and cultural continuity, with flax plantations supporting weaving traditions and fruit trees shared between the Wānanga and local kōhanga reo.

Water Petal:
Pā Reo is entirely off-grid for water. Rainwater is harvested and treated on-site for potable use, while wastewater is managed through septic systems and dispersal fields. Raingardens and wetlands support stormwater management and biodiversity, meeting the Net Positive Water imperative.

Energy Petal:
A 180kWp solar array generates 105% of the project's energy needs, with battery storage enabling resilience for up to a week. A full Life Cycle Assessment revealed a 48% reduction in embodied carbon compared to typical construction, with timber replacing steel and concrete throughout.

Pā Reo is a campus embodying kaitiakitanga, with the protection and expression of natural systems and structures that support energy efficiency and carbon neutrality principles.

As designed 160 tonnes of embodied carbon over modules A1-A5 cradle to practical completion (an 85% reduction from calculated business as usual BAU). Which equates to 109.5KgCO2e/m2.

As designed 810 tonnes of embodied carbon over modules A-D cradle to cradle (a 48% reduction from calculated business as usual BAU), which equates to 554.4KgCO2e/m2.

Health & Happiness Petal:
Indoor air quality is ensured through natural ventilation, low-VOC materials, and rigorous testing. The design prioritises daylight, views to nature, and cultural practices such as barefoot spaces and no smoking policies. A Healthy Indoor Environment Plan guides cleaning and maintenance.

Materials Petal:
Over 2,500 materials were vetted for Red List compliance, achieving a 95% success rate—an exceptional feat in New Zealand’s limited product market. Locally sourced Radiata Pine and engineered timber were used extensively, with Declare and Living Product Challenge documentation supporting transparency.

Equity Petal:
Universal access is embedded in the landscape and building design, with inclusive pathways, gardens, and community spaces. The project engaged Māori artists and contractors, and Tennent Brown’s JUST Label and BCorp certification reflect a deep commitment to social equity

Beauty Petal:
Biophilic design is woven throughout, from carved whakairo pare above doorways to internal planters and timber decks. The Iringa Kōrero sculpture and natural material palette celebrate Māori cosmology and connection to land. Education and inspiration are central, with open days and guided tours fostering community learning.

Pā Reo stands as a living example of architecture that honours Te Ao Māori, environmental stewardship, and the transformative potential of the Living Building Challenge.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/03/24/kapiti-wananga-eyes-international-green-building-certification/

https://tinyurl.com/66sxnud5