The stunning design of the almost-complete north Kumutoto public space on Wellington’s waterfront has been recognised with two awards for landscape architects Isthmus Group.

North Kumutoto is the area between the Meridian building and the Bluebridge ferry terminal, centred on the Waterloo Quay-Whitmore Street intersection. It takes its name from the Kumutoto Stream which enters the harbour at this point.

The revamp of the 6000 square-metre area features a new timber boardwalk, better sea access, planting to attract wildlife, a pavilion and seating areas, covered walkways and new art installations.

At the NZ Timber Design Awards, Isthmus won the ‘Exterior Innovation and Infrastructure’ category award for the timber pavilion and boardwalk that feature in the north Kumutoto project. The judges’ comments included:
• “This project creates a focal point for the waterfront and echoes the surrounding harbour using the lightness of durable timber products”
• “The distinctive anvil form of the Kumutoto pavilion hovers dramatically over the layered purple heart decking, providing shelter at the edge of the harbour”
• “The project is using timber to deliver a new iconic public space in New Zealand.”

The second award was a gold pin in the Designers Institute of NZ Best Design Awards in the ‘Public & Institutional Spaces’ category for the pavilion and boardwalk.

Mayor Justin Lester says the awards are a fantastic result for Isthmus but also for the contractor, Peryer Construction, the wider consultant team and the City Council staff who have all been involved in the north Kumutoto project.

“I urge Wellingtonians to get down on the waterfront to take a look at north Kumutoto – the design and detailing of the boardwalk and pavilion is outstanding and something we should all be proud of.

The $7 million north Kumutoto project is scheduled for completion at the end of October.

© Scoop Media