The new Wellington City Mission headquarters, Whakamaru o te Korowai o te Panepane o te Ika a Maui, is more than a building, it’s a statement of compassion and community. Designed by Three Line Studio, this landmark brings together housing, healthcare, social services, and shared spaces under one roof, creating a place of dignity, care, and belonging for Wellington’s most vulnerable.

At its heart lies a light-filled central atrium, where two dramatic oblong voids cut through the upper slabs, flooding lower levels with natural light. These voids are enclosed by X-Tend® stainless-steel tensile mesh, formed into asymmetric, anticlastic curves that are both functional and visually striking, connecting spaces and encouraging interaction. The mesh also features in stairwells and a vertical façade section, balancing safety with openness and transparency. Over time, climbing plants will weave through the façade mesh, softening the structure and reinforcing its welcoming presence.

SRS Group played a pivotal role from the earliest stages, engaged in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partnership with Three Line Studio, alongside Ronstan Tensile Architecture and Tensys. This collaboration ensured seamless integration of tensile elements that not only met the architectural vision but elevated it. From three-storey atrium voids to stairwell cables and full-height mesh barriers, including external green walls, our team delivered precision installation for Naylor Love, backed by world-class engineering.

The result? A building that embodies openness, safety, and shelter. Whakamaru isn’t just a structure, it’s a living expression of connection, care, and purpose. Its light-filled design fosters meaningful interactions between people and spaces, echoing the values of Wellington City Mission and turning compassion into tangible impact.