‘Design a unique and contemporary new cafe and function facility for one of Hamilton’s most valuable urban locations’

This was the challenge given in mid 2007 when invited to design ‘The Verandah’ on the site of the old cafe building at Hamilton Lake.

The building is planned so that all cafe & function room spaces have panoramic views and direct access to the lake and playgrounds. Existing pathways, crossings and circulation routes are maintained and connected successfully with the new building.

The immediate context also provides other design cues. The exposed and expressive curved steel and timber structure of the canopy is inspired by the playground equipment. The white membrane of the ‘verandah’ canopy by the boats and balloons that grace the lake, and the simple palette of grey concrete and timber decking reference the rock boulders and timber boardwalks at the lake edge.

An equally important part of the buildings character is its environmental sustainable design (ESD) features. Floors, walls and ceilings are highly insulated, all windows and doors are double glazed for thermal comfort, the cafe has a passive ventilation system and its floor is heated by water supplied from solar panels on the roof. Rainwater is collected and used for flushing of toilets, energy efficient lighting is fitted throughout and the verandah membrane canopy provides sun and glare control to the cafe and function rooms. At night low powered

LED lights illuminate the canopy to give the building an ethereal presence at the edge of the lake and provide a subtle backdrop to the activity within.

The finished building has been well received by the client and operator, but perhaps more importantly as a piece of civic architecture, The Verandah has quickly become a vibrant and well patronized facility by the people of Hamilton and their visitors.

New Zealand Institute of Architects Design Award

Registered Master Builders GOLD Award

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