taradale library

‘...We were able to make the most of the building’s light and sunny positioning, using materials and landscaping in harmony with the park side setting...’

CLIENT Napier City Council

CONTRACT PERIOD 8 months

DATE COMPLETED 27 May 2009

APPROXIMATE COST $1.58m

SKOPE OF WORK A new facility utilising sustainable materials and building practices with a design brief centred around creating an inviting, functional and flexible space for a wide range of users and uses, including study, relaxation, activities and learning.  The new building offers a range of innovative enhancements including a drive-by returns service and a learning centre for school and community use. Movable shelving and display areas allow for armchair reading, listening posts and spaces for community artworks.

This project reunited the team of Alexander Construction,  Judd Dougan Team Architecture and management consultants Octa Associates.

By pooling our expertise we were able to offer creative solutions to bright sunlight and heat, including solar tinted glass to prevent heat transfer, and improvements to lighting, heating and ventilation systems through heat recovery from exhaust air. The design features a central hub from which activities can be accessed while still providing a calm and peaceful reading environment where visitors can enjoy the view of neighbouring Centennial Park. We were able to make the most of the building’s light and sunny positioning, using materials and landscaping in harmony with the park side setting.

HIGHLIGHTS The choice of a ‘design and build’ contract format enabled us to utilise the specialist library design skills of Judd Dougan who offered local, national and international experience in the field and allowed us to give the client all of the desired aspects in the design brief within their allocated budget, which they were not expecting.


For more information on this project or if you have a similar project please contact the team today!