Floating Marina

In the context of some strong local opposition to the marina and on-site protestors, a decision was made to construct the building remotely and relocate it to its final site to ensure the security of the construction site and the safety of contractors. That decision shaped the project’s complexity, and we worked closely with Northland and Auckland councils to develop a modular compliance pathway—allowing full off-site construction, marine transport, and final installation across two regions.

Design and construction of the building on floating pontoons posed unique challenges, including material weight and structural distribution, health and safety and logistics management, and adapting on-land building techniques across different trades to changing tidal conditions.

The project required integrated premium exterior and interior finishes, including timber and non-homogeneous panelling systems akin to boat building, to ensure ongoing movement during transportation and a lifespan that didn’t require continual costly maintenance. Durability in an aquatic exposed environment was paramount. We worked closely with a façade specialist to develop a weather-tightness strategy that treated the ‘envelope’ above and below deck to ensure that aggressive sea-salt-laden air wouldn’t enter critical structural connections. Various maintenance hatches were designed into the floor throughout the building to allow for regular inspection and access to these areas. The complex roof geometry and architectural intricacies presented installation challenges, further compounded by construction on a moving platform. The team had to assess the platform’s balance daily and implement measures to ensure stability.

Then came the journey: a 75-nautical-mile tow from Whangārai to Waiheke Island. Transporting the building safely and installing it in the marina with limited clearance posed a unique logistical challenge, careful weather anticipation, and oversight by a structural engineer.

Constructed on six reinforced concrete floating pontoons at the Whangarei Harbourside, the main building comprises a marina office, public and berth-holder restrooms and showers, laundry, workshop and storage facilities, and a compact café/multi-use space opening onto a public play-deck that steps down to the water’s edge. In total, the structure spans 269m² of enclosed area and 400m² of open deck space. The building footprint is just over half its immediate site platform, with the flexibility to ‘clip on’ additional decks and public amenities as the marina expands.

At the entry, a hardwood inlay within the post and beam rigid portal (waharaoa) creates a striking gateway to the building and breezeway—designed for future collaboration with local artists, carvers and Iwi to embed stories of navigation and place into the architecture.

Team Trigg is immensely proud of what was achieved with this project and the unique and complex challenges that constructing, transporting and installing a building on water presented. The project originated from an innovative concept driven by the client’s vision to create a floating building within the new Marina on Waiheke Island, that provided a central hub and office space, berth-holder and public amenities, but also spaces for community engagement. Because of this vision, Kennedy Point Marina is now a key destination on the Island for boaties and water leisure activities. Technically demanding and architecturally refined, the Floating Marina was recognised with a Gold Award and Best Project Overall in the $3M-$10M category at the 2024 NZ Commercial Project Awards.

Awards

Gold Award 2024 NZ Commercial Project Awards

Best Project Overall ($3M-$10M) 2024 NZ Commercial Project Awards