“It is wonderful to see construction completed on the contemplative gallery which extends from the north-facing side of Te Pātaka o Sir Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa,” says Gaye Batty, Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment project director.
“It is a key design feature of the new wing which makes possible an unbroken line from the mountain to the sea. Now fully glazed it is a stunning place to stand, with a view totally unique to Whanganui as it is positioned higher than any other accessible viewpoint on Pukenamu, allowing the eyes to skim over the top of the region’s high landmarks and trees all the way to Ruapehu.
“The design of this gallery has made it necessary to overcome some complex challenges, such as temperature control and the fact that it is cantilevered out over the rest of the building, so it protrudes over the patio beneath. It will add real structural interest to the rear of the wing which will otherwise be totally flat and cloaked in black granite. The whole design team has come together with the main contractor, McMillan and Lockwood to ensure we get the best possible outcome for this important feature of the new wing.
“Outside, a service lift is now on the rear west corner of the new wing. This is being used by the cladding sub-contractor to transport the many hundreds of pieces of trapezoidal-shaped granite upwards for connecting to the vertical railings. The cladding pieces, some buffed and shaded and some shiny, will ultimately display the Aramoana pattern, which is special to Whanganui.
