Waitakere Central Civic Centre

The Waitakere Central Civic Centre is an exciting new building incorporating six levels of administration offices and a four level civic wing incorporating the council chambers.  Sustainability principles underpin the design and materials used in keeping with Waitakere City's green philosophy.

While the buildings have been insulated to double the Building Code requirement, an air conditioning system was required due to the close proximity of a railway station which meant ventilation from open windows was not possible. Airpro installed a reverse cycle air-to water heat pump chiller that re-uses waste heat from outgoing or incoming air for heating and cooling. In the administration area, uncovered concrete structures absorb and release heat to keep temperatures regular. Exposed concrete ceiling beams are hollow and act as pipes to distribute cool air to circular vents installed flush with the carpeted floor above. As the air heats, it rises setting up a flow that in turn draws in more cool air. This system uses less energy than a usual office air-conditioning system as it doesn’t require large fans plus the incoming cool air doesn’t need as much chilling.