Your perfect destination for nature-inspired gathering: Functions, meetings, events, groups and more

Discover the hidden gem of sustainability at our purpose-built EcoHub located at 17 Lauderdale Road in Birkdale. This remarkable space not only serves as our office and classroom but also acts as a vibrant gathering place for like-minded individuals who are passionate about nature and sustainable living.

Nestled alongside our nursery and garden, this spacious living building offers an immersive experience that brings you closer to the wonders of nature. Step inside and let the tranquil surroundings captivate your senses, creating the perfect ambience for learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Our community-driven approach, rooted in a regenerative, whole-system philosophy, ensures that every visit to our EcoHub is an enriching experience. Whether you're an educator seeking a unique venue for workshops, a group looking for a serene space to gather and exchange ideas, or a business looking for team off-sites, strategy sessions and corporate workshops, our EcoHub is the ideal destination.

Our EcoHub building, designed by Athfield Architects, was recognised in the Tāmaki Makaurau Architecture Awards as the winner in the Public Architecture category. The building is praised for incorporating “five of the seven Living Building Challenge Petals” in its design. Read more here.

"A big ngā mihi nui to you for hosting us. The EcoHub was the perfect venue for our climate kaupapa and our Steering Group commented on how much it enabled a really generative, connected conversation to be in the hub with the doors open, the garden and bush outside, the sound of cicadas, birds and the awa etc, plus with the knowledge (and information) about what you're doing there.  We also spent some time in the reserve doing some earth reconnection work, which the group also found rejuvenating. We hope to be able to book the space again for another session." - Lydia Hascott, Co- Aotearoa

EcoHub - a Living Building on home soil

Opened in 2022, this award-winning EcoHub offers an open space for learning, gathering and connecting, while demonstrating zero waste activity in action. The hub is situated next to Eskdale Reserve and can host up to 50 people comfortably. 

We thank Kaipātiki Local Board for funding this exciting project, and to Auckland Council, Landscape Architect Carl Pickens, ASPEC Construction and Athfield Architects for bringing the EcoHub to life.

• Deconstruction: Design and construction considered 'Whole of Life' and future deconstruction. Where possible, elements have been screwed and bolted together (not glued) for ease of deconstruction and reuse.
• Photovoltaic PV System: A 16-panel 6.2kWp PV panel array on the roof to generate electricity. Surplus electricity sent to the grid, which can be drawn from. Constructed to allow for a future Tesla battery install.
• Urban Horticulture: A thriving native plant nursery facilitating native ngahere around the building, including stream and estuary restoration.
• 9,000 L Water Tank: Located under the carpark area which collects nonpotable ‘grey’ water from the roof of the building. This supplies the external taps that service the hub and nursery.
• Recycled Rimu Flooring: Reused from a Christchurch building (except bathroom area). The floor finish ‘Bona Traffic HD’ has EMICODE EC1 with very low emissions certification.
• Thermal Performance: Warm roof with a metal tray roofing and building paper over unbroken PIR board layer and vapour control membrane. No ‘thermal breaks’ create a high level of thermal and acoustic performance.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB): No lining of the interior walls with plasterboard, as OSB is manufactured from fast-growing trees, thus durable and sustainable, and does not contain ureaformaldehyde adhesives.
• Structure: The foundation is constructed of timber pole piles and a timber-suspended floor. The primary structure comprises timber glulam portal frames, beams and rafters, with timber framed infill walls.
• Enviro-Friendly Timber Treatment: Using only MCA (a far better alternative to CCA). MCA is arsenic-free and chrome-free and can be reused if the building is deconstructed.
• Waste Management during Demolition & Construction: 46% of all construction and demolition waste was recycled.

Engine Bay Garden

Bomb Point Drive, Hobsonville Point 

We also manage a vibrant garden space at Hobsonville Point, featuring a small orchard and a thriving community compost hub cared for by local volunteers. Through this space, we cultivate knowledge and inspire action on:

• Growing fresh, healthy food without chemicals.
• Encouraging more people to become local food growers.
• Enhancing soil fertility by recycling food scraps from the community.