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Te Whare Nui o Tuteata Rotorua

The Te Whare Nui o Tuteata building in Rotorua is a testament to sustainable architecture and forward-thinking design. Developed by Irving Smith Architects and RTA Studio, this structure serves as the headquarters for Scion, a Crown Research Institute specialising in forestry and advanced technology development.

Located in the Whakarewarewa Forest Park, the new building creates a central hub for collaboration and research, bringing together professionals who were previously spread across multiple smaller buildings. Its name, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, was gifted by the three local hap? — Ng?ti Hurungaterangi, Ng?ti Taeotu, and Ng?ti Te Kahu — acknowledging their deep connection to the land.

Achieving a Carbon-Zero Future

From inception, this project was designed to be a leading example of sustainable construction. It achieved carbon zero at completion, a milestone assessed using the Ftool system. The building was designed to meet the 2030 carbon target set by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), with less than 500kg of carbon per square meter.

Key sustainability features include:

  • 454 m³ of structural timber, which stores approximately 418 tonnes of CO?-e, reducing environmental impact significantly.
  • Radiata pine construction, allowing the building’s timber to be regrown in just 35 minutes in New Zealand forests.
  • Motorised double-skin façade, optimising natural ventilation and heat recovery to enhance energy efficiency.
  • Solar shading, LED lighting, and passive climate control, minimising the building’s reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

 

By utilising sustainably sourced timber and energy-efficient design principles, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata contributes to New Zealand’s carbon-zero future and sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious commercial buildings.

 

Award-Winning Architectural Excellence

Recognised on the global stage, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata has received multiple awards, including:

  • “Most Beautiful, Innovative, and Iconic Building” at the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development.
  • 17 additional architectural awards, celebrating its cutting-edge design and commitment to sustainability.

 

This recognition highlights the building’s success in combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and aesthetic brilliance.

 

Our Role in Supporting a Sustainable Workplace

Ensuring that the Te Whare Nui o Tuteata building operates at peak efficiency, we supplied two of our most advanced water systems:

 

These state-of-the-art filtered water dispensers provide instant boiling, chilled, and filtered drinking water to both staff and visitors, seamlessly integrating into the building’s eco-conscious ethos.

 

Why Scion Chose Billi NZ

Before the construction of the new headquarters, Scion had already been a strong supporter of our products, utilising them in its previous buildings. The decision to include our sustainable water solutions in this iconic project was driven by key benefits, including:

  • Energy efficiency – Unique heat exchange and energy reclaim technology reduces power consumption.
  • Space-saving design – The underbench units maximise available workspace without compromising on performance.
  • Sustainable water usage – Water-cooled systems eliminate the need for noisy fans and ventilation cutouts, making them a quiet, efficient solution.
  • Advanced filtration – High-performance filters remove chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals, delivering clean, great-tasting water.

 

By integrating our premium hydration solutions, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata enhances employee wellbeing while aligning with Scion’s broader sustainability goals.

 

Long-Term Reliability with BilliCare

Beyond installation, BilliCare’s comprehensive aftercare service ensures that these systems continue to operate at optimal performance. With a nationwide network of accredited technicians, Scion benefits from:

  • Routine maintenance and servicing, reducing downtime.
  • Genuine filter replacements, ensuring the highest water quality.
  • Expert technical support, providing peace of mind.

 

Experience our Sustainable Water Solutions

Inspired by Te Whare Nui o Tuteata’s commitment to sustainability? Our range of instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water systems can help your business meet eco-friendly goals while ensuring superior water quality. Explore our commercial solutions today.