Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Center
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, on the North Island of New Zealand, allows visitors to take boat rides into the spectacular cave guided by the light from thousands of glowworms – Arachnocampa luminosa. The Waitomo Caves were formed from limestone transported by water over thousands of years. They have been a popular tourist destination for over 125 years – attracting up to 500,000 visitors per year. I 2005, a fire damaged the original visitor center. It causes a huge economic blow to the local community. They took the chance to redesign the whole visitor center.
Vector Foiltec worked closely with Architects and Structural Engineers to develop the form of the canopy. The form is aligned with the curve of the Waitomo stream. The design of the Visitor Center was an opportunity to showcase how engineering, the environment, and local culture, can fuse in harmony.
Architecture Connects to the Waitomo Stream
The name Waitomo comes from the Māori language, with “wai” meaning water and “tomo” referring to a sinkhole or doline. The visitor center’s design emphasizes the connection to the Waitomo stream. The underground river is a vital component of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, providing the necessary moisture and nutrients that sustain the glowworm population.
Entrance Canopy of Texlon® ETFE
The structure of the entrance canopy comprises prefabricated interwoven pine laminated veneer lumber (LVL) grid with a beautiful Texlon® ETFE cladding system. It follows the LVL ribs in alignment with the curve of the Waitomo stream. The inflated Texlon® ETFE panels are structurally efficient in spans of 4 to 5 meters and were tethered over the grid shell structure. The canopy provides shelter to visitors entering and exiting the caves.
Award-Winning Architecture
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Center was awarded the prestigious Architecture, Commercial Engineering Excellence, and Clever Solution Awards at the Timber Design Awards in October 2010. It is a truly deserving winner!
Contact us for more information about canopies of Texlon® ETFE cladding systems.
Information
| Date | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Location | Waitomo, New Zealand |
| Sector | Cultural/Exhibition |
| Size | 1,846 m² |
| Structure | Wood |
| Type | Roof |
| Architects | Architecture Workshop |
Images Copyright: Vector Foiltec