2024 Interior Awards, Healthcare and Wellness Award winner

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Wai Ariki is guarded by six tipuna of Ngāti Whakaue, who guide manuhiri towards the waharoa.

Wai Ariki is guarded by six tipuna of Ngāti Whakaue, who guide manuhiri towards the waharoa. Image: Jono Parker

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The experience begins with four different sauna offerings, which draw on the materials, scents and textures of the local area and evoke the traditional bathing experiences of Ngāti Whakaue.

The experience begins with four different sauna offerings, which draw on the materials, scents and textures of the local area and evoke the traditional bathing experiences of Ngāti Whakaue. Image: Jono Parker

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There are six different pool experiences, which feature the infusion of local herbs and different springs, temperatures and hydrotherapy experiences.

There are six different pool experiences, which feature the infusion of local herbs and different springs, temperatures and hydrotherapy experiences. Image: Jono Parker

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The connection with the surrounding landscape, is an extension of the palette and experience itself. Visitors enjoy uninterrupted views over Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island, which was a safe haven for Ngāti Whakaue.

The connection with the surrounding landscape, is an extension of the palette and experience itself. Visitors enjoy uninterrupted views over Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island, which was a safe haven for Ngāti Whakaue. Image: Jono Parker

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The entry atrium features local whakairo and areas of intimacy are created around the reception space — for undressing, and preparing and engaging the senses.

The entry atrium features local whakairo and areas of intimacy are created around the reception space — for undressing, and preparing and engaging the senses. Image: Jono Parker

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Naturally heated floors and mud beds create geothermal connections. Users bathe in mud scented with local kawakawa before entering the steam room to wash.

Naturally heated floors and mud beds create geothermal connections. Users bathe in mud scented with local kawakawa before entering the steam room to wash. Image: Jono Parker

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Te Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) offers a private space for relaxing during treatments and bathing.

Te Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) offers a private space for relaxing during treatments and bathing. Image: Jono Parker

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The private pools of Te Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) feature a bespoke pattern language.

The private pools of Te Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) feature a bespoke pattern language. Image: Jono Parker

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Wai Ariki’s designers and engineers were supported by tohunga and tribal leaders and guided by their specialist knowledge. There was a mutual respect for kaupapa, an awareness of materiality, and a shared pursuit to cradle te taha wairua.

Wai Ariki’s designers and engineers were supported by tohunga and tribal leaders and guided by their specialist knowledge. There was a mutual respect for kaupapa, an awareness of materiality, and a shared pursuit to cradle te taha wairua. Image: Jono Parker

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Congratulations to this year’s Healthcare and Wellness Award winner — Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa by RCG.

The jury’s comment:

“A 30-year relationship between the designer and client has resulted in an incredible kaupapa that beautifully integrates the stories of Ngāti Whakaue. The combination of texture, pattern, spatial qualities and lighting creates a rich sensory experience for manuhiri, allowing them to feel the geothermal properties of the whenua in the various interior spaces. The theme of water and fire has been artfully translated into the striking, sensual palette throughout the spa experience. Wai Ariki is a taonga and the designers have done a magnificent job supporting both their client and Ngāti Whakaue through their design haerenga.”

The experience begins with four different sauna offerings, which draw on the materials, scents and textures of the local area and evoke the traditional bathing experiences of Ngāti Whakaue. Image:  Jono Parker

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Client: 

Building area (m2): 4500m2

Project brief: Ngāti Whakaue have welcomed visitors to the Rotorua area since the early 1800s to immerse themselves in the region’s geothermal amenities, which carry medicinal and well-being properties. The brief was to create a luxury spa and wellness facility like no other — architecturally, experientially and culturally — to provide ongoing value for Ngāti Whakaue and the local community. The development was funded by Māori and benefits from being compiled through the lens of te ao Māori. They aimed to curate an experience which both harnesses the area’s sensory geothermal properties while also imbedding authentic Ngāti Whakaue cultural narratives to enrich the journey of manuhiri.

Credits:
Project principal – Alex Liang
Architects – John Lenihan, John Long, Phil Holden, Calvyn Le Roux
Designer – Fleur Ford, Jamie Howard, Andy Florkowski
Client representative – Malcolm Short, Alec Wilson, Monty Morrison
Engineering – WSP
Landscape Architect – Boffa Miskell
Project Managers – Veros
Planners – Statum
Acoustic Engineers – SLR
Aquatics Engineers – Coombes Aquatics
Main Contractor – Hawkins
NZMACI – Whakairo
Photographer – Jono Parker

“The materiality of the building and interior read as a continuation of the landscape, that resonates with the local palette and histories of the site. The raw volcanic tones envelop the internal viewshafts towards Lake Rotorua. Scoria, obsidian and basalt dress many surfaces, but are often softened underfoot by geothermal heating. The journey and narratives are told and amplified through the senses – the soft songs of Ngāti Whakaue, the loud scents of the forest and native herbs, the piercing steam of the Kohu Wai Ariki, the bracing cold of ice, the stickiness of the thermal mud.” - RCG.

rcg.co.nz

Watch the finalist presentation here:


With thanks to our Interior Awards 2024 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.

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