Tuhiraki - AgResearch Lincoln Facility, New Zealand.
Project Overview
Situated on land from Lincoln University, Tuhiraki is AgResearch's new $103 million research facility, designed to be a vibrant center for advancing agricultural science. This state-of-the-art building brings together nearly 300 scientists and support staff, fostering collaboration with Lincoln University and nearby research institutes. Named by Te Taumutu Rūnanga, "Tuhiraki" honors the legacy of Rākaihautū and his role in exploring and naming New Zealand’s South Island landscape, symbolizing the release of knowledge into the natural world—a fitting tribute for this facility dedicated to rural innovation.
Research and Innovation Hub
Strategically located near other major research organizations and agricultural businesses, Tuhiraki is equipped to drive forward critical research that serves the agriculture sector and rural communities alike. Research initiatives include enhancing farming systems to adapt to changing conditions, assessing the environmental footprint of New Zealand’s agricultural products, and developing tools to tackle issues like weed management on farms. With its Life Cycle Assessment capability, Tuhiraki offers valuable insights for producers, helping them strengthen New Zealand's agricultural standing in a competitive global market.
A Natural Approach to Design
Tuhiraki’s two-story structure reflects AgResearch's commitment to minimizing environmental impact and creating a comfortable, high-quality workspace. The office wing, constructed primarily with timber, has just 22% of the embodied carbon footprint of a comparable concrete and steel building, embracing materials that align with natural values. The facility includes passive ventilation, wool insulation, and over 2,000 square metres of Godfrey Hirst modular wool carpet tiles, which connect interior spaces with New Zealand’s landscapes. Each tile is crafted with local, renewable wool fiber, celebrating rural heritage and supporting the New Zealand national economy.
Wool Flooring Solutions: Inspired by Nature
GH Commercial supplied Natural Elevation carpet tiles in the calming shades of Corriedale Fleece and Drysdale Fleece. Selected for their natural fiber composition, these tiles feature earthy patterns that echo New Zealand’s unique landscapes, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. Crafted with nature at the forefront, these wool carpets are both red-list and PVC-free, meeting the highest Green Star Level 4 certification for environmental excellence. Durable yet incredibly comfortable underfoot, the tiles create a calming, nature-inspired aesthetic that enriches Tuhiraki’s vision as a center of innovation.
Project: Tuhiraki - AgResearch Lincoln Facility
Architect: Architectus Christchurch
Products: Godfrey Hirst Wool Carpet Tiles - Natural Elevation
