This project was to respond to and replace two of the three oldest buildings in Methven, which were destroyed in the September 2010 earthquake – the Methven Library (c. 1884) and the Methven Museum (c. 1913).

Together with Heritage New Zealand, the option to retain the two existing buildings was explored, but ultimately, a new building was preferred.

The original library and museum were brick buildings and this new library is a nod to both. The brief for a new building to serve a contemporary community was established, delineated into four quadrants: library, museum, community meeting room and archives, connected by a corridor which meanders like the local braided rivers.  As time progresses these four spaces will be linked by a ‘street of memories’ – a linear space lined with town photographs and pictures. This sculptural corridor ties the four quadrants together and connects the street front through to a future courtyard and sculpture garden behind.

The building sits on the exact site where the previous library stood. The rural surroundings, agricultural setting and local context informed both the material selection and new formal shapes of this project. Formally, it is a response to the rural gables and lean-to’s which collectively created a new sculptural shape. The building offers a generous entry gesture to the public realm signaling entry and providing shelter. 

Like an industrial shed, and the lost buildings, the intention was a ‘penetrable solid’ with light falling through each quadrant in an orchestrated manner. Material selection was informed by those of the surrounding vernacular. Weatherboards, corrugated iron, and board & batten were referenced for each quadrant, as well as the brick used in the demolished original.

AWARDS

• NZIA Local Awards Public Architecture - Winner, 2023