Turanga - Christchurch Central Library

Project Address

60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Project Overview

One of the first public buildings in New Zealand to achieve a high status 5 Green Star design rating. Turanga, Christchurch's new central library, sits centre stage as an energy smart civic project. Energy modelling showed that Turanga would use 72% less energy and emit 72% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a comparable standard building.

Thermally broken aluminium frames from Alutech and high-performance Low E double glazing, structurally glazed by Metro Performance Glass (MPG), are a key part of the impressive performance of the building.

Unique Project Requirements

The large skylight lights up the interior while the use of Low E Double Glazing protects the interior from adverse weather conditions. A digitally printed glass symbolising Puaka in a unique feature of the building, a star that has particular significance for the local Ngai Tahu tribe.

The library was designed to become a lantern that lights up Cathedral Square at night, a beacon to draw people across the square.

Project Glass Selection

High Performance Double glazing units, laminated safety glass and digital print.