Te Pou Toetoe - Linwood Pool

Architecture HDT are proud to be part of Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool with Apollo Projects.

While the budget was important, Architecture HDT worked hard to maintain the cultural narrative previously developed by WSP | OPUS.

The new building was developed in consideration of multicultural values and narratives of the community of Linwood and worked to strengthen the Whanungatanga – close connection with the community, and Kaitiakitanga – restore and protect the ecological vitality of the site and offer opportunity to all – Manaakitanga. The site neighboured Linwood Park and the building and site’s external recreational areas were set out along the boundary, envisioned as an extension of the park.

The building shape and dynamic folded external cladding forms reference the design concept of a kite - Manu Tukutuku and key narrative for Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Pātiki (flounder), an important connection to the ‘mahinga kai.’

The rearrangement of the wet side layout facilities allowed for the integration of New Zealand’s first-ever purpose-built all-season indoor manu (bombing) pool and seamlessly integrated blackout blinds to allow for privacy when needed for swimming groups.

The dry side includes a small community room, as well as a large community room and community kitchen. The large community room and kitchen are designed to operate independently or together as needed to accommodate community groups. These spaces are designed to spill out into the external outdoor community space and connect to the neighbouring Linwood Park.