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Above:

Te Whare Awhi Ora combines clinical robustness with holistic, biophilic and sustainable design to create a benchmark health facility in Gisborne. Images by Strike Photography.

Resene specialist coatings help Te Whare Awhi Ora achieve sustainability outcomes

09 Nov 2026

Designed by MODE in collaboration with A44 Architects, local iwi and Māori artists, Te Whare Awhi Ora – the house that embraces healing – is a purpose-designed adult mental health and addictions unit in Gisborne, delivered for Health New Zealand, says A44 Architects’ company director, Daniel King.

“This collaboration ensured that cultural values, narratives, and tikanga were embedded into every aspect of the project, truly reflecting the community it serves and resulting in a facility that is inclusive, respectful, functional and community-focused.

“Central to the design was the connection to nature and natural materials, highlighted by the custom-designed whariki and tukutuku patterns – which are integrated into floor, wall and ceiling designs – and pūtōrino-shaped hand-carved timber and magnificent stainless steel pou.”


Accents of Resene Broom define key areas and support natural movement towards the building, helping create an intuitive flow. 

Designed to Living Building Challenge Core Green and Net Zero energy programmes, Resene products were carefully selected to enhance, protect and subtly articulate the project’s natural material palette.

“The aim was to preserve the raw beauty of timber and concrete, utilising Resene’s natural and clear wood-care products to protect rather than conceal. Finishes such as Resene Aquaclear Natural allow the timber’s grain and texture to remain visible, bringing warmth and authenticity to the interiors.”


Resene Woodsman penetrating oil stain in Pitch Black was used to emphasise the cultural significance of the pou, adding depth and richness. 

Similarly, the colour palette for Te Whare Awhi Ora was inspired by the natural materials and landscapes of Tairāwhiti, translating a sense of place into the built environment, providing a soft, neutral tone that complements the golden hues of the natural timbers, and enhances daylight within the space.

“The restrained palette encourages calmness and reflection, essential qualities in a mental health environment. Together, these tones and textures create a gentle visual rhythm, an atmosphere of quiet resilience where colour becomes a subtle language of comfort and care.” 


A neutral palette, anchored by Resene Black White, was specified for the double-height day room, which thanks to the clerestory windows is flooded with natural light, creating a gentle visual rhythm. 

The breakdown of Resene colours and products specified includes: 

  • Resene Black White – used on all internal plaster walls and ceilings to create a soft, light-reflective backdrop that enhances natural light and complements the surrounding timber tones. 
  • Resene Black – used on selected ceilings and door surrounds to define thresholds and introduce subtle contrast, helping establish clear wayfinding and spatial hierarchy.
  • Resene Broom – a sweeping bright golden yellow,incorporated to define key areas and support natural movement towards the building, helping create an intuitive flow. 
  • Resene Woodsman penetrating oil stain in Pitch Black – applied to carved cultural features including the redwood maihi and reception pūtōrino, deepening their richness and emphasising their cultural significance within the facility.
  • Resene Aquaclear Natural – applied to interior timber surfaces to preserve and protect the natural grain, providing a warm, tactile finish with durable, easy-clean performance suited to a therapeutic environment.
  • Resene Cemseal – applied to polished concrete floors to maintain the natural aesthetic of the concrete while providing essential hygiene, durability, and long-term protection.

Te Whare Awhi Ora was awarded the Tone-e Award in the Commercial Interior Public & Retail Space category at the 2026 Resene Total Colour Awards. 


Custom-designed whariki and tukutuku patterns feature throughout the building. Resene Aquaclear Natural was applied to interior timber surfaces, such as this meeting room ceiling, to preserve and protect the natural grain and highlight the design. 

The judges commented: 

Through an impressive understanding of – and skilful selection from – the Resene product range, the project demonstrates a thoughtful command of both performance and aesthetic outcome. The result is a well-considered and highly appropriate application throughout.

The scheme strikes a compelling balance between liveliness and restfulness. Vibrant moments of colour and texture energise the environment, while quieter tones provide areas of calm. This approach responds sensitively to the needs of the clientele, creating spaces that support a variety of emotional experiences and uses. 

Images by Strike Photography.

Published: 09 Nov 2026