University of Auckland

Project details

University of Auckland

With "Hiwa", the University of Auckland has opened a new, vertically organized sports and health center in the dense city campus: Eight levels of sports halls, pool, running track, climbing, squash, fitness and a freely accessible rooftop sports area. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in collaboration with MJMA, the building sets the benchmark for campus wellbeing and was completed in 2024, with an official opening in February 2025. The compact "vertical campus" typology combines sport, meeting and recreation - right up to open rooftop sports fields with views over Auckland.

To ensure that the sports areas on the roof can be used safely, they were completely enclosed with X-TEND stainless steel cable meshes. These ball catching meshes catch balls silently, remain dimensionally stable, are ETA and low-maintenance. At the same time, they provide reliable protection against people falling and - thanks to the closed enclosure - also against falling objects, without restricting the view.

X-TEND is also used extensively in the interior: staircase flags and storey-high guardrails along the walkways ensure safety and transparency. The filigree, air-permeable structure blends seamlessly into the architecture and creates a calm, open appearance.