Mairangi Bay Pump Station

Flows of up to 625 litres a second can speed through the new Mairangi Bay Pump Station.  That pumping capacity and the integrated storage wet well of 230,000 litres are part of a $22.5 million development to prevent sewage discharges and keep the connected reserves and beaches clean for generations to enjoy exactly as they should be able to.  

Keeping the area beautiful so it can be enjoyed extended to the design of the pump station.  Rather than simply construct a building that serves a purpose without a visual identity, the architectural vision called for the use of perforated aluminium to create a design that recognises and reflects its location.  Louvres then book end the opposite elevation so the edges of the building are blended into and compliment the surrounding area.

The centrepiece of the design is undoubtedly the perforated screens showing two local Pohutukawa trees, twinning the real greenery sitting behind the pump station.  Made from 3mm aluminium, the custom Pic Perf on the south elevation covers over 35 square metres and is finished in a Metwood powder coat to mimic the industrial look of aged corten steel. 

The sublimated “Mainland Corten” powder coat finish exhibits the natural patina of colour and blemishes that is seen in aged corten steel, without the maintenance hassles and staining that would typically occur in a corrosive coastal environment.  

To the side and also on the east elevation are aluminium panels featuring the standard ‘Moonscape’ dapple pattern.  This has an open rate of 30.2%, with a recurring pattern of different sized openings and little no chance of generating any noise (especially given their placement).  

Tying in the other elevations to the design are Solaris 200 louvres in the same corten steel look powdercoat finish.  A total of 125 blades are used, gently ascending from one end to the other.  On the west elevation, that angle is counter to the roof, drawing the eye across the pump station to the other end, where the picture perf panels tell their story.

The finished Mairangi Pump Station illustrates how critical infrastructure can also serve an architectural purpose, with benefits that flow (no pun intended) from the functional to the aesthetic.  It’s a praiseworthy approach and one we hope might be followed elsewhere.

Architect  Designgroup Stapleton Elliot                     Contractor  Pipeline & Civil

Location  Auckland