Whakawhānui – Expansion within the Domestic

2022, Design 3

This project, “Whakawhānui”- Expansion within the domestic (Maori for expansion) or “Matariki hanga Nui”, reimagines a rundown timber boatshed into a dwelling for Epeli Hau’ofa Tongan/Fijian writer and anthropologist on the site at the water’s edge of Wynyard Quarter. 

Given the small footprint of the area, this domestic space is physically intimate; However, is experientially juxtaposed with the embodiment of our collective notions, Expansion. Expansion in the sense of the infinite stellar atmosphere, the expansion of wisdom beyond inheritance, and the journey of expansion between cultural perspectives.These concepts were found in our reading of the text “Our Sea of Islands”, written by the Epeli, giving insight into Pacific Seafaring Voyage. 

Collectively, we have reworked the space above, at, and below the existing concrete foundation and repurposed existing and local materials from the site; the way Pacifica have been known to build and expand their homes with time and occupied with the distinct customs of Pacific communities. The occupation of the dwelling has been illustrated throughout the day of Matariki Celebrations Public Holiday, Friday 24 June this year.