Range of Services SECTION >> Marra Specialised Projects >> Holy Trinity Church

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

The Marra Group completed the $4.5 million church project in 2002-2003 in Devonport Road, Tauranga
The complex included all construction as well ascivil works, roading networks, underground pit construction,
temporary sediment ponds and drainage systems.

The project was designed by Page Henderson Architects of Tauranga to replace the original church, which was burnt down in 1998. The unique design is considered to be a fascinating departure from normal church design. The facility has 880 seat capacity, including the Mezzanine floor.

The structure was generally of Precast Concrete walls faceted to curve on plan, exposed structural Steel Beams and Trusses. The Precast concrete walls were all built on site then craned in place (68 panels in all). The Roofing Substrate was 50mm thick to act also as a sound barrier. This material was coated with a poured liquid membrane. The Administration building was of more conventional design consisting of Solid Plaster exterior walls.

Building the church interior required specialist methodology to enable fit out of suspended ceilings and services. The layout of the building was unusual as nothing was square, so the construction methods needed accuracy to position each column precisely around an eliptical arc, with each panel carefully lifted into a predetermined position. There was extensive use of the resalvaged kauri mostly within the suspended ceiling panels throughout the auditorium and in the entrance. These panels were suspended on frames in a pattern to act not only for looks but also for sound absorption. Lighting and other services were hidden behind the panels in carefully predetermined positions.

The Concrete floor was sloping to allow for seating at adjusted levels. The Mezzanine floor surrounded the alter area, which catered for 300 seats. This was built supported by steel circular columns, with the ceiling smooth and painted underneath.

The Holy Trinity Church is recognised as a facility to be used for many other events other than church related. The Structure will be a destination of many people interested in Design and Architecture.

Holy Trinity Tauranga Gallery