Grounded in the Māori principle of Kaitiakitanga—the ancestral ethos of guardianship and stewardship over the natural world—this multi-purpose space is a study in cultural and environmental synergy. Designed for the New Zealand landscape in collaboration with Danish firm C.F. Møller, the project explores the role of the Kaitiaki, or guardian, through a physical structure that protects and honors its surroundings.

The architecture bridges the gap between Scandinavian functionalism and Aotearoa’s deep indigenous roots, acting as a modern manifestation of the connection between a people and their land. By weaving these traditional values into the built environment, the space becomes more than a utility; it serves as a contemporary Kaitiaki, ensuring the landscape is preserved and celebrated for future generations.