Ora Toa Health Services provides health services within the Wellington Region including community health awareness programs. With their Newtown Poneke branch outgrowing its current premises, Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangātira jumped at the opportunity to relocate to more central premises also capable of accommodating future growth.

 

After working with the structural engineer (Spencer Holmes Ltd) to bring the 3-floor building up to 70% NBS, the ground floor retail tenancy was converted to accommodate the new health unit.

 

The building posed a number of architectural challenges. In particular limited natural light and accessibility issues required careful consideration to planning and design. Pelorus liaised closely with the Wellington City Council and gained their approval for an innovative, cost effective solution to wheelchair accessibility, and through careful placement of high level glazing natural light now penetrates deep into the space. 

 

Pelorus was able to overcome these challenges whilst also exceeding the client’s functional requirements. The final result is a community facility that is fresh and welcoming to patients and staff alike.