94 Taikata Road
Te Atatu Peninsula
Architects: KRTA (Kingston, Reynolds, Thom & Allardice)
Built: 1964
An absolute stunner of a building we came across en route to a site measure last week. The church was designed by a leading Kiwi firm from this period who were well renowned for their integration of architectural and engineering expertise, and responsible for many of the original buildings on the University of Auckland city campus. The acceleration in technological development following the Second World War lead to the use of new construction techniques and materials, including the introduction of precast concrete systems as both structure and cladding. KRTA were quick to employ these methods and take advantage of factory-made components, as visible through the incredible finesse in which they have been applied in the design of this church.
The visually dynamic A-frame structure minimises obstruction caused by internal supports, allowing for an undisturbed void within. The use of a moat-like external drainage system collects and removes rainwater from the building.
Light floods in through a series of openings located on the bottom side of each angled wall, with a large decorative partially-coloured glass end wall. The repetition, alignment and variation in thickness evident in both the sculptural precast concrete panels and openings combine to provide us with a thoughtfully designed visual feast.
Worth stopping by if you're ever out that way...
henceforth
suki
