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Future Perfect

Anchored to the ground by concrete, like spaceships out of a 1960s science fiction film, the Hingarae Resort modules are set to be a new breed of ultra-luxury accommodation. Motivated by the lack of “anything particularly exciting in the global resort space”, Hingarae Developments set out to create a resort with design and architecture as key components. Due for completion mid-next year, the resort’s architecture was inspired by 1960s airports, sci-fi pop culture, and the optimism that existed in the middle of last century before the move to a more imposing austere Cold War-era architecture. According to company spokesman Greg Hickman, “Hingarae is where we believe things should have evolved had the trends of the ‘50s and ‘60s not been interrupted by this far more sombre and purely functional form of architecture.”

Set in remote native bush 40 minutes out of Taupo, Hingarae consists of one main building, the Central Hub, 28 self-contained houses or modules, a recreation hub with tennis courts, driving range and a health and well-being spa. The Central Hub contains a heliport, two bars (one underground), a restaurant, hotel and electric vehicle station, all available to temporary guests and permanent owners. “I’d say the Central Hub is a pretty amazing facility with a level of luxury wrapped in remarkable design and sense of presence that has not been seen in New Zealand yet,” enthuses Hickman. “In general, the development offers a level of luxury across all facilities and a design experience that is well beyond current NZ offerings and is truly world-leading.”

The Hingarae’s architecture will differentiate it from other local resorts. “The idea was to fuse living environments of the future with this remote and ancient land,” states Hickman. “The architectural intention is that the buildings remain timeless in their futuristic vision, so they will continue to appear progressive and visionary long into the future.” A testament to this futuristic vision is a new architectural concept where the roof, walls and floor of each building work as a continuous skin, with no sharp corners. This feature is inspired by the way nature designs and builds, yet still allows the resort to stand out from its surroundings. The interior spaces are characterised by curved walls, ‘floating’ floors and indirect, ambient LED lighting.

Hingarae will also employ innovative sustainable materials in its design. The superstructure will be executed in seamless composite panels extending from the walls and merging into roofs. Windows fit within openings created by folded composite panels, ensuring structural continuity.

It would be worth visiting Hingarae simply to see the Central Hub. Located on the northernmost ridge of the property, the Hub affords expansive views of Lake Taupo, mountains and the resort’s impressive sculpture garden. After arriving from the air by helicopter or through the valley by car, you’ll enter the Hub to find the reception area, and the resort’s superb bar and restaurant, an intimate movie theatre, and a late-night underground club. From there residents can descend via passenger lift to the vehicle dock, where electric cars are ready to take them to their modules. Visitors can head to Hotel Hingarae, where 11 ultra-luxurious suites cater to the fussiest of customers. At a cool $2.7 million each, the modules will appeal to a certain type of consumer – super wealthy, with a Jetsons obsession. And they’d better get in quick; word is they’re flying out the door. IHM

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