Sign In / Register
A former equestrian and film location in Wainui has been recognised for its remarkable transformation into a state-of-the-art industrial facility.
The 5500-square-metre manufacturing hub at 909 Haruru Road – home to local aluminium joinery company Windowmakers – has been awarded Silver in the Industrial Category at the Registered Master Builders Commercial Project Awards.
The site, once a well-known horse arena and later a film studio used in productions such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has been reimagined with sustainability and functionality in mind.
“This facility represents a major step forward – not just for our business, but for local manufacturing innovation,” Windowmakers managing director Heidi Johnston said. “To receive national recognition for a project that means so much to us and our community is incredibly rewarding.”
The new build brings all Windowmakers’ operations under one roof and includes modern staff facilities, such as a cafeteria and an on-site apartment to accommodate workers in the semi-rural location.
Judges praised the project as a standout example of adaptive reuse, noting how the repurposing of the site reflects excellence in both industrial design and community integration.
The Silver Award celebrates not only the project’s innovative design and execution but also the potential of transforming iconic local spaces to serve the next generation of industry.
