Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library, Wellington

A cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library needed upgrade works after the Kaikoura earthquake revealed the building’s vulnerabilities. Wellington City Council aimed to retain the building’s iconic presence while strengthening it to meet modern seismic standards. The vision was to create a vibrant multi-functional community hub that seamlessly integrates traditional library spaces with digital media and community facilities.

NDY’s role in this significant refurbishment was to deliver high-performing acoustics across the library’s varied spaces. From ensuring sound insulation between bustling community areas and quieter reading rooms to managing noise control in open-plan areas, our goal was to enhance the user experience in this dynamic environment.

Our acoustic design encompassed several key areas. In the large open library stack areas, we recommended absorptive panels to the soffits of the slabs above, helping to control reverberation without the need for extensive suspended ceilings. This approach maintained the aesthetic integrity of the space while effectively managing noise levels.

To ensure peace in areas like the reading rooms, we specified high-performance sound insulation between these spaces and adjacent noisier zones such as the music studios. This was crucial in maintaining a balanced acoustic environment throughout the library.

Given the absence of traditional ceilings in many parts of the building, we implemented acoustic treatments for the mechanical systems, including fan coil units and associated ductwork. Our design included acoustically lined plenums and strategically placed bends in the ductwork to minimise noise transmission, so that these necessary systems had full functionality but did not disrupt the library’s quiet ambience.

Balancing our client’s budgetary constraints with the need for effective acoustic treatments was a challenge. During the value engineering phase, we used our in-house portable auralisation tool, AiHear, to simulate various treatment scenarios. By engaging with stakeholders and demonstrating the acoustic impact of different treatment levels, we successfully conveyed the importance of maintaining certain acoustic standards. This approach allowed our client to make informed decisions that balanced cost with user experience.

Te Matapihi Wellington Central Library is a space where the community can gather, learn and create in an environment that supports both quiet reflection and vibrant activity. By enhancing the iconic building’s functionality through thoughtful acoustic design, the Wellington City Council is providing a hub that meets the diverse needs of the people using it while offering a sustainable and engaging space for generations to come.