“Behold my ahi-ka, my mountain Tongariro. There burns my fire, kindled by my ancestor Ngatoroirangi. It was he who lit that fire and it has burned there ever since. That is my fire of occupation ...” Te Heuheu Tukino Horonuku, Paramount Maori Chief Tuwharetoa in 1881
Te Ahi Kā is a hiker’s shelter (aka Oturere) located along the Tongariro Northern Circuit, within the UNESCO Dual Heritage Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. It is grounded spiritually and physically, hunkering down within the remarkable volcanic landscape. It is a safe place of sanctuary where hikers can take shelter, stay the night and recharge. A special place for rest and self-reflection whilst you take in the majestic view of Mount Ngauruhoe, Ngauruhoe Maunga and ask one’s self .. “where is my ahi?”
Status: Winner Architizer Visionary Awards 2025
In October 1902 the SS Ventnor was sailing from New Zealand to China carrying the remains of 500 Chinese who were to be buried in their ancestral villages.
Sadly, the ship sank off the Coast of the Hokianga Harbour with the loss of cargo and 13 of the crew.
Over the course of the following years the remains were washed ashore and respectfully collected and, in some cases, re-buried by the local Iwi and Pakeha.
Ironically, even though the spirits of the Chinese never made it to their destination this tragic event has brought together the Maori, Pakeha and Chinese cultures in a unique New Zealand Story.
Design Concept
The SS Ventnor Memorial is conceived as a place where visitors can come to honour the lives of the lost Chinese and crew and to learn of the history of the sinking.
The concept of the afterlife has been prevalent in both Maori and Chinese culture. The passage from the physical to spiritual worlds is the basis of the memorial as experienced in a 7-step ‘journey’.
The visitor encounters a series of stepped platforms and benches with the following inscriptions: -
· Departure 離開 Te Hokianga Nui
· Hope 希望 Tumanako Tumanak
· Gratitude 感謝 Mihi Aroha
· Waiting 等待 Noho Wahangu Ana
· Tears 眼淚 Roimata Maturuturu
· Memory 記念 Nga Maharatanga
· Honour 榮譽 Mihi Mahaki
Adjacent to the benches is an array of stelae that fan out and support bronze panels that list the names of the 500 Chinese and 13 lost crew.
The principal materials of raw concrete and Cor-Ten steel were selected to reflect the no nonsense ruggedness of the New Zealand landscape.
The rising steps and weathered panels suggesting the tectonic forces which formed the land over the passage of time.
Status: Built
Located in Westgate, Auckland this development consists of a mix of 37 terrace houses planned around a central village green.
Status: Built
A courtyard block, affordable housing community comprising a mix of 2 and 3 storey typologies.
Status: Built
Conceived as a weekend cabin, the house required a more permanent design approach than anticipated.
Built into a steep rock face, the unforgiving rugged west coast became a metaphor for the challenging build process.
Status: Built
A large family home in Auckland’s leafy Mt Eden. Tight planning requirements necessitated the maximising of the building envelope.
Status: Built
TT Architects were awarded first place in an invited international competition for a large mixed-use development in Nanning, CHINA.
The 411m signature super tall tower contains offices, serviced apartments and a 5 star hotel and atrium on the upper levels.
Design Concept
The genesis of the tower’s form is an opening seed pod inspired by two 100 year old Banyan trees within the site. TTA’s master plan concept captured the client’s imagination beyond their initial expectations and became a metaphor for an auspicious 'new' beginning on an undeveloped site.
Status: Complete
A competition entry for a new gateway into New York’s Chinatown which is located on a busy Manhattan intersection..
Design Concept
This tiny information kiosk/gallery space is based on a humble yet globally recognized icon which comments on the mass consumption of Chinese culture in everyday Western life.
Status: Competition
TTA was approached to design a large apartment development in Jinan, PRC.
This mixed use development is conceived as a courtyard configuration inspired by the Tulou dwellings of Fujian. The perimeter block typology allows for a generous, landscaped, open internal courtyard that allows public access through the city block, thus avoiding the creation of another gated community which is prevalent in China. This mega courtyard urban typology also creates continuous retail active edges, allowing for lively urban road frontages at ground level. Residents will have access to roof top sky gardens and extensive communal facilities.
Status: Proposal: Year 2016
TT Architects were awarded first place in an invited international competition for a large mixed-use development in Nanning, CHINA.
The site is located next to a river close to the main city.
Design Concept
The master plan was developed as an undulating landscape that is layered over car parking, mechanical plants and street front retail. Above the gardens residential towers grow organically to maximize sun, air and views. They spiral around the central Pod Tower which is the main focus of the site.
The 6 residential towers are grouped into 2 pairs of 3 and step-up from 143.3m to 168.5m in height. In total they contain 69,000sqm of residential floor area with each group sharing communal sky gardens, taking advantage of the cooling breezes in this subtropical location.
The towers are conceived as a screen of tall bamboo clusters. An adjustable filigree of terracotta louvres will screen the facades, provide shading and contribute to the perception of transparency and lightness of the Architecture. Lush tropical balcony plantings will help cool the apartments, filter the air and further enhance the appearance of green towers.
Status: Complete
Conceived as a long, elegant pavilion with floor to ceiling glazing, this large modernist house replaces an old weatherboard bungalow.
Status: Built
Located in Huapai, Auckland this development consists of a mix of 9 terrace houses.
Status: Built
Located in Manurewa, Auckland this development consists of a mix of 15 affordable, terrace houses.
Status: Built
6 Townhouses organised onto a narrow site in Pt Chevalier, Auckland.
Status: Built
