"Nestled in the Waikereru Ecosanctuary near Gisborne, New Zealand, the Waikereru Welcome Shelter is a multi-functional architectural project by PAC Studio that serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the restored native forest. Conceived as a hub for environmental education, the shelter was built in 2015 through an extraordinary community effort, involving 88 volunteers and donations from 88 suppliers. This unique collaborative process allowed for the creation of a piece of public architecture with minimal architectural resources. The shelter's design is inspired by the traditions of the picturesque, featuring an elegant, steel, and architectural fabric canopy that appears to float above three rough-hewn timber boxes. These boxes are strategically positioned to frame specific views of the surrounding hills and valley, creating a sense of dialogue between the built structure and the landscape. The structure's exterior is clad in Abodo's Tundra timber, which was donated for the project. Within the timber enclosures, visitors will find storage space, ablution facilities, and an office for the site ecologist. The simple, honest construction techniques contrast with the refined, floating canopy, creating a unique and timeless feel. A roof deck on one of the enclosures offers a stunning view of the valley and is accessed via a greenwood ladder made from a Manuka tree harvested from the site. In 2020, the project received national recognition, winning a New Zealand Architecture Award for Small Project Architecture. Project credits Architecture: PAC Studio (Principal: Sarosh Mulla) Client: Longbush Ecological Trust Fabrication: Sarosh Mulla Design and 88 community volunteers Photography: Simon Devitt Materials Donated By: 88 sponsors (including Abodo Wood)"