Samoa High Commission

commercial new build

consultants: CCM architects, aurecon, rlb, fire hq

It’s all about ground work, with the right team and right methodology. Constructed on a hilly 1300m2 section in Kelburn, the new Samoa High Commission comprises a basement carpark with three storey’s on top. The understated scale of the new building belies the achievements of the team to construct this 1200m2 building on this site.

The original split level section required extensive civil works, approximately 130 rock anchors, 25 piles and shotcrete walls, to support the surrounding neighbours. This allowed the removal of around 3500m3 of earth to get down to the two main building platforms. Concrete piles were installed under the entire footprint of the building, then concrete foundations and extensive insitu concrete walls were constructed for the basement and level one. Structural steel and precast concrete ribs were then used to construct the remaining three level structure.

The building exterior reflects the people and culture of Samoa in a proud and sympathetic manner. This is achieved through the geometry, colours and patterns used on the building. From the triangular ‘sharks teeth’ (Nifo o le malie) representing strength, guile and protection on the front of the building; to the raking feature columns representing leaning coconut trees. The building has been clad in a range of complementary cladding types including timber-look panelling, aluminium Nuwall and zinc feature walls.

The interior also reflects Samoan traditions and culture; lower doorways reflect traditional fale and encourage the tradition of bowing (tulou); while higher ceilings are representative of those found in traditional meeting houses (fale tele). These spaces are complimented with the use of timber providing a feeling of warmth, contrasting against white walls providing a space to showcase traditional artwork and artefacts. There are surprise pops of colour in the toilets and basement stairway, with bright colours used in these spaces to reflect the colourful buses of Samoa.