Porirua Indoor Events Center

DATE: November, 2008

If the sport isn’t exciting enough, the aesthetics of Porirua’s new indoor sports and events centre will certainly catch the eye. Stephenson and Turner architects have had a difficult challenge in creating a stadium that will cater to the diverse needs of the Porirua community, but it is certainly a task that has been performed well. The aptly named Te Rauparaha Arena features a main stadium with three full sized courts (2495m2), a smaller stadium (857m2), a separate studio, a lecture theatre, acoustic meeting rooms, a café and a commercially run fitness centre.

The main contractor, Ebert construction, has used Forman Building Systems product’s to great effect to create a practical finish that is not only effective but highly visible. Novahush acoustic panels are used to form an intricate and striking design which is fitting for a project which requires a hard wearing but acoustically superior finish.

With seating for 2000 spectators, an enclosed space can be near deafening. A product was required that not only could absorb some of this noise but would be able to stand up to the rigours of a sports stadium. Novahush panel was able to meet and exceed these difficult requirements with ease.

All Asbestos & Insulation had the unenviable task of actually creating the complicated designs. Working at heights of 15 metres meant that installers had to not only get over any fear of heights but also try to concentrate on the detail of the design whilst working up close and personal with the product. All will agree that this task was undertaken with skill, poise and a decent amount of patience.