Tukutuku: AUT's new sustainable building officially opens

AUT’s newest and most sustainable building, Tukutuku, was opened by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday 26 July.

The journey of Tukutuku began with a blessing and naming ceremony in late June, conducted at dawn by Ngāti Paoa. The name Tukutuku, is derived from the matriarch of Ngāti Paoa and also refers to the intricate lattice work of tukutuku panels, symbolising the weaving together of people, place, and shared purpose.

Spanning approximately 9000 square meters, Tukutuku is the largest development at AUT’s North Campus. It will house the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, accommodating around 2000 students and 200 staff. Tukutuku is also on track to become the country’s most efficiently heated and cooled tertiary education building, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in New Zealand.

In collaboration with Ngāti Paoa and contemporary urban artist Janine Williams, AUT has developed a cultural spatial framework for Tukutuku. This framework incorporates the narrative of the waka hourua, the double-hulled waka, symbolising the partnership between mana whenua and the university. Janine Williams has also contributed three significant artworks, including a digital mural featuring kuaka, representing the iwi’s journey and partnership with AUT.
 

“Partnering with AUT enabled us to deliver an outcome which is far more than just a building. This project has transformed the North Campus almost beyond recognition into a world-class facility for students and staff that doesn’t cost the earth,” said Shane Vinnell, Section Manager - Auckland Building Services at Beca.

Greg Posa, Director of Design and Project Management at AUT University, shared his enthusiasm for the project: "Turning this bold vision into reality took a substantial effort by an awesome group inside and outside our organisation. It's been amazing to work with such talented people on this transformational project for AUT."

Beca’s contributions to the 'passive first' design, which incorporates extra insulation and a highly efficient façade to minimize solar gain, were critical. The adaptive reuse of existing structures and the use of timber significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Rainwater harvesting and a displacement-based HVAC system further enhance its energy efficiency.

The official opening of Tukutuku marks a significant milestone in AUT’s commitment to sustainability and cultural integration, promising a vibrant and inclusive space for learning and collaboration.