Te Ara Ātea is a library and community facility located in Rolleston near Christchurch. The anchor project for the future Rolleston Town Centre, Te Ara Ātea acts as a beacon, not only in location, but for the diverse and growing community it serves. The project has a strong community focus and challenges the typical preconceptions of a ‘library’, in keeping with its gifted name which means ‘unobstructed trail to the world and beyond.’

Collaborating with Warren and Mahoney on this project, Harrows were a key supplier for the cafe and meeting space furniture. Harrows manufactured custom shaped tables and leaners that help build on the sense of delight and discovery. In the cafe space, the timber tones paired with the softer palette and natural light create a warm and inviting area that welcomes all.

The result is not only a library but a flexible, multi-purpose community and performance space that acts as a hybrid museum and live history tour.