Connecting Auckland’s trains and buses to keep people moving

Designed with people, place and sustainability at its heart, the bright and airy Manukau Bus Station is somewhere you could spend hours admiring the striking architecture as buses arrive and depart.

As one of Auckland Transport’s integrated transport hubs, the station has directly contributed to the revitalisation of Manukau town centre, and set a precedent for a new and simpler way to travel.

From the initial options assessment to preliminary design right through to construction, our multi-disciplinary team engaged with a number of key stakeholders to deliver functionality with unique architecture, and innovative structural design.

Completed in collaboration with Cox Architecture, the station includes a number of specialised features to minimise energy consumption and add environmental, social, economic and cultural value.

Critical to the compelling design is adherence to Auckland Council’s Te Aranga Māori design principles, a set of outcome-based principles founded on intrinsic Māori cultural values and designed to provide practical guidance for enhancing outcomes for the design environment. Partnering with mana whenua resulted in the prominent use of Māori art, natural timber and creative expression throughout the design.

A tukutuku manu – or kite flying narrative – a theme significant to the heritage of the area is reflected in the form of the building and on the roof, with a series of repeating soaring kite form elements. This imagery is further reinforced in the use of woven pattern ply ceilings and soffits. The architectural and structural team collaborated closely to achieve an integrated structural solution.

Sustainability of the building is enhanced through a specialised system for collecting and recycling greywater, and low energy fixtures and fittings reduce energy usage. Stormwater runoff from the bus bays and manoeuvring area is collected and treated through station rain-gardens, prior to discharge to the wetlands in Hayman Park. Automated louvres and natural ventilation provide cooling and north- and northeast-facing façades allow direct sunlight to stream in during cooler months.

And no-one can miss the unique sawtooth roof. Every piece is different, allowing natural light to flood into the building. A 12m deep cantilevered canopy offers protection from the weather and flexibility for future bus bay layouts.

Connecting buses and trains at interchanges like these encourages more people to take public transport and provides a more efficient service into the CBD.

With passengers enjoying seamless connection to surrounding streets, Manukau train station, Manukau Institute of Technology - Manukau Campus, Hayman Park and Manukau City - Manukau Bus Station gives everyone a reason to take the bus, to and from the city.

Award:
2018 New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Auckland Awards - Public Architecture category (Beca in association with Cox Architects)

Global recognition:
Nominated for an award at the 2018 World Architecture Festival (WAF)