Te Kura Whare was the first certified full Living Building Challenge (LBC) project in New Zealand, which comprises the administrative headquarters and community tribal chamber for Ngāi Tūhoe.

TLC acted as the ESD consultant and LBC coordinator/facilitator and was responsible for

guiding the team and client towards a design aligned with all the required principles of LBC.

During construction TLC advised the design and construction team on LBC requirements, monitored on site activities, reviewed contractor/architectural evidence for compliance, and advised the client on operational waste and post occupancy LBC requirements.

Water: 100% of water at Te Kura Whare is collected and discharged on site, and filtered and

UV-treated water supplies the café, kitchen, bathrooms and external taps. Black water is naturally filtered via a botanical wastewater treatment system and is discharged on site.

Energy: Passive design was implemented through daylight harvesting, thermal mass, and passive ventilation and heating. The building uses photovoltaic panels to produce net positive electricity which is sold back to the grid annually.

Materials: At the time Te Kura Whare was being built, there were some products that were unable to be sourced red-list free. Through research and advocacy, the team acted as a catalyst in the market, increasing awareness and affecting change. Downed native trees and clay from the area were collected and crafted into the building.

Beauty & Inspiration: The process of creation itself was both beautiful and inspirational, incorporating Tūhoe tikanga throughout. Tūhoe artists produced artworks for the building that reflected a shared identity and hope for the future wellbeing of Tūhoe people.

2014 NZ Property Council's Green Building Property Award of Best in Category 

2014 NZ Property Council's Special Purpose Property Award of Best in Category