Cultural Story Telling - Otago Regional Council

Project Overview

The Aonui project demonstrates how glass can move beyond function to become a defining cultural and architectural feature. Developed in collaboration with mana whenua and Kāi Tahu cultural experts, the project features two large digitally printed glass panels inspired by pūhoro patterns that reflect the movement and significance of local waterways. The artwork, created by Ephraim Russell, draws direct reference to the nearby Toitū awa and the wider cultural landscape surrounding the site.

Metro Performance Glass manufactured and installed the feature glazing panels, using high-resolution digital printing to preserve the clarity and detail of the artwork at architectural scale. Positioned prominently on the building façade, the panels interact with light, transparency, and movement throughout the day, creating a visually dynamic outcome that feels deeply connected to both the building and its environment.

The result is a façade that is not simply decorative but meaningfully transforming the building into a visible expression of cultural narrative, partnership, and place.

View Installation Video

Unique Project Requirements

Delivering the feature glazing required a highly specialised and carefully coordinated approach. The large-format digitally printed panels were manufactured using 21.52mm SentryGlas laminated glass, combining structural performance with the precision required to accurately reproduce intricate cultural detailing.

Installation presented significant logistical challenges due to severely restricted site access, making conventional glazing methodologies unsuitable. In response, the team developed bespoke installation strategies and specialist handling techniques to safely manoeuvre and position the oversized panels without compromising the artwork or surrounding structure.

Precision alignment was also critical, with the spider fitting system requiring millimetre accuracy to maintain visual continuity across the façade. The finished result reflects a strong balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and collaboration - delivering a technically sophisticated glazing solution that also carries deep cultural significance.