Project Timber: Ramaroa, Kapiti Coast

Gilplans Architecture and Ryder Builders Craft Māori-Inspired Ramaroa Centre with JSC

Ramaroa Centre draws on the local Māori heritage and WWII US Marine buildings for its design. Gilplans Architecture and Ryder Builders link two separate gable buildings with a gullwing roof, tiles, walls and decks, all of which are crafted in JSC Iroko and Western Red Cedar, and influenced by the traditional Māori wharenui and tent structures from the US Marine camps.

Iroko Decks & Fins
JSC Iroko was utilised across the exterior of Ramaroa, including the decking and feature fin details. To withstand the baking Kapiti Coast sun, Iroko — being a class 1-2 grade timber — was specified for its ultimate durability. The timber also comes from a long-standing, responsible source, and is 100% FSC-approved.

Western Red Cedar Cladding
JSC’s Western Red Cedar was chosen for the weatherboards of Ramaroa specifically for its colour and natural appearance, as well as its durability, stability and ease of use throughout the project. The timber comes from the west coast of Canada and the North West of the USA; with sustainability at our heart, JSC only purchases from certified forestry operations, assuring that the timber comes from a well-managed resource.

Western Red Cedar Panelling
Western Red Cedar was chosen for the interior of this project due to its aesthetic and functional properties. The colour and intricate grain structure bring a warmth to the room, creating a striking but natural look that aligns with the exterior design. The relatively lightweight nature of the product also adds a huge benefit in ease of installation on the ceiling.