The B201 redevelopment transformed a 1970s University of Auckland building into one of New Zealand’s most sustainable academic environments, extending its life by at least 50 years.
Delivered under the Government’s ‘Shovel-Ready’ funding programme, the project met a challenging programme despite pandemic-related supply chain disruption, sustained wet weather, and the complexity of working within a tightly constrained, occupied campus.
At the heart of the project is a new 30×30m column-free timber atrium. The landmark feature includes a hybrid glulam and steel sawtooth roof structure, featuring Ara Moana and Pātiki Tukutuku patterns designed for the University by cultural consultants Haumi in alignment with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The roof encloses a pre-existing outdoor plaza that has been transformed into a spectacular atrium, creating a naturally ventilated, skylit space designed as the new gateway to the University’s cultural precinct.
The light-filled atrium attracts students and staff onto campus by creating an enticing, uplifting space designed to foster social connection and host events. The drama of the architectural experience relies on the timber structure that is on display, filtering natural light into the space through generous skylights. The roof structure is celebrated as the unifying feature of the atrium. It combines a diagonal arrangement of zigzagging timber rafters in a diamond pattern supported on steel beams, that hold the large gravity and in-plane roof bracing loads. Negative detailing to key junctions plays a role in achieving the streamlined elegance of the hybrid system that speaks so evocatively of the Tukutuku design.
While delivering a warm, expressive interior, timber also plays a role in sequestering carbon aligning with the University’s sustainability ambitions. The 202.63 m³ of glulam used in rafters sequesters an estimated 135 tonnes of CO₂. Within the overall project, upfront carbon (A1-A5) is reduced by over 30% - approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ - with timber contributing approx. 4.5% to that reduction. Over the full lifecycle (A1–C4+B6), carbon savings reach 50%, with operational carbon savings of 70% in comparison to demolishing and rebuilding new.
The glulam roof modules were fabricated off-site, with a prototype connection produced early to refine the design and ensure necessary tolerances (max 5mm across the entire roof in any direction) were achieved. Completed timber and steel roof modules were installed at night using the site’s tower crane, optimising the construction programme. This prefabrication approach also reduced on-site waste and construction time by a year.
Sustainability outcomes supported New Zealand’s highest ever Green Star rating of 93/100 and a world-leading 6 Green Star certification, demonstrating how a combination of adaptive reuse, mass timber, and integrated sustainable design can be combined to set a new benchmark for low carbon construction in Aotearoa. B201 now operates as a living laboratory for monitoring and teaching sustainability performance, ensuring the project continues to demonstrate the shift in New Zealand design and construction toward positive, regenerative outcomes.
Timber species/applications:
- Roof Structure: Glulam Rafters: New Zealand Pine (Radiata)
- Atrium Interior Finish: FSC® Southland Maple Beech timber panelling is robust, durable, and provides acoustic absorption.
