Toi MAHARA is the district public gallery for the Kāpiti Coast, located in the heart of Waikanae.
The Gallery is home to Field Collection which includes 24 paintings by Frances Hodgkins (1869–1947) who is considered New Zealand’s most significant expatriate artist.
The existing building has undergone a significant refurbishment and upgrade. 335 provided the mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and fire protection services design and construction observation.
Mechanical services include a close-controlled mechanical ventilation system for the various gallery spaces to ensure stable temperature and humidity levels are maintained to protect the art. Blower-door testing has been undertaken throughout the construction process to ensure and relatively airtight building to minimise external influences on the internal space requirements and subsequently reduce energy consumption.
Energy-efficient gallery lighting has been provided to set exhibits into the right spotlight while protecting them from harmful UV radiation.
A photovoltaic system for on-site power generation is located on the roof to offset the power consumption of the building.