Raupo Cafe

Iconic Blenheim Restaurant on banks of the Taylor River

DesignHQ were approached by Marcel and Helen Rood to help them develop an iconic restaurant to be situated on a triangular section overlooking the Taylor River on the main Northern entrance to Blenheim.   They had already started the design process elsewhere, but were unable to get a result that really made them happy.

The footprint of the building was severely constrained by the triangular shape of the lease area alloted to them by the Marlborough District Council.   The clients requirements were for a building that was as environmentally sustainable as possible which utilised as many locally sourced materials as possible and which was reflective of Marlborough, (or in the words of Marcel Rood "I want something that is chunky and manly")

Our solution was a post and beam structure, utilising 350 x 350 timber members, with large glazed infill panels to the north and timber framed infills with a combination of local stone veneer and plywood and battens.   Heat recovery systems were utilised to transfer waste heat from cooking and refrigerators into the air conditioning system.

This building has quickly cemented itself a reputation as an iconic Marlborough building, which is known and loved by all.

Project Team:

Principal Designer:        Tony Fitzpatrick
Design Assistant:            Mathew Dalby
Interior Designer:           Simone Hill (Cinnamon Hall Interior Design)
Engineers:                       Smart Alliances
Contractors:                    Paul Carter , Grant Morgan, Owner