Museum Research and Archives Centre

About The Project

The Hawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre in Hastings is a purpose-designed facility supporting the long-term preservation and protection of Hawke’s Bay’s regional museum collections. The centre houses tens of thousands of taonga and artefacts in secure, climate-controlled conditions, with dedicated spaces for conservation, research, and education. It plays a critical role behind the scenes, complementing the public-facing MTG Hawke’s Bay, and ensuring heritage items are professionally cared for and accessible into the future.

Our Approach

Gemco was engaged as lead contractor from the outset, managing the project from early site works through to final delivery. The build took place within an existing warehouse shell, requiring careful integration of complex mechanical systems, structural upgrades, and services. Our in-house teams – including construction, joinery, painting, and finishing trades – played a key role in delivering the specialised fit-out. The coordinated delivery approach ensured smooth progress and quality across all stages of the build, from structural work through to the custom joinery and installation of compact archival systems.

Project Features

Spanning 2,105 m², the centre is divided into two distinct zones. The “Lighthouse” – a two-
level wing for staff, researchers, and visitors – is designed to be light-filled and welcoming. In
contrast, the “Darkhouse” provides high-security storage, with advanced temperature and
humidity controls, high-density mobile shelving, and strict environmental monitoring to
museum standards. A central seismic gap separates the two wings, enhancing resilience in
the event of an earthquake. Externally, a striking six-metre feather-patterned aluminium
screen symbolises the protection of taonga and provides a distinctive visual identity to the
building.

'The Lighthouse'

A two-level wing for staff, researchers, and visitors – is designed to be light-filled and welcoming.

'The Darkhouse'

A high-security storage, with advanced temperature and humidity controls, high-density mobile shelving, and strict environmental monitoring to museum standards.