Located on a high-profile site alongside Highway 2 in Lower Hutt, the Arise Centre was designed as a landmark building—prominent, recognisable, and purpose-built to bring the church’s Wellington offices together under one roof. The project also addressed a gap in the area for a high-quality conference and performance venue, with an auditorium seating over 1,200 people and the flexibility to transform into a more intimate space when required.

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The site presented significant challenges, including ground contamination that required careful management. The design underwent multiple iterations and relocations before its final position was determined. Acoustics were a key consideration—both within the building and in relation to the adjacent motorway. To mitigate noise, the offices and foyer were wrapped around the auditorium, acting as a buffer. This wrapping effect was expressed in the façade design, with vertical glazing mullions and translucent glass giving the impression of a draped, fabric-like enclosure.

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Internally, soft yellow glazing filters natural light into the spaces, extending through to doors and interior finishes, creating a tangible connection between the façade and the inside. The auditorium itself remains a pure black box—an enclosed, immersive performance space.

A restrained material palette and precise detailing ensure the building remains simple yet refined. Even the mechanical ducting was carefully executed, reinforcing a clean, quiet aesthetic. The result is a light-filled, uplifting space—designed for gathering, performance, and connection.

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This was a 2018 Wellington Architecture Awards Winner in the Commercial Category.

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https://www.nzia.co.nz/awards/local/award-detail/7318