This doesn’t 'look' like sustainability. But it is. WATCH VIDEO
Down on Auckland’s waterfront, Pac Studio quietly delivered one of the most thoughtful pieces of public design I’ve seen all year.
No signage. No noise. Just clean lines, resolved details, and material integrity.
This is the Karanga Changing Sheds.
You’ve probably seen Cleanstone on benchtops.
But here?
It was used for the roof and wall linings — fully exposed to the elements.
Made from 100% recycled plastic: Orange fishing nets, white plastic packaging, and clear soft plastics
And it’s not just symbolic. It’s waterproof. UV-resistant. Hose-cleanable. Won’t rot. Won’t warp. Zero maintenance.
Most public fit-outs default to ply or generic cladding. But PAC chose something that reflected the kaupapa: Locally made. Low-carbon. Built to last and all made with recycle materials. This is a massive achievement.
What I love most is how the material interacts with light.
It doesn’t hide — it glows. Inside or out, it elevates the smallest moment.
Because when you specify with intention, even a changing shed can carry a story.
If you’re designing public architecture — and you want materials that are more than skin deep — I'd love to help.
You can explore samples, colourways, and applications at criticaldesign.nz - would love to support your next project.
Design by Pac Studio
Client: Eke Panuku Development Auckland
Built by: New Wave Construction
Photography by: Sam Hartnett
Cladding by: Abodo Wood Ltd
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How Recycled Plastic Became the Hero Material Behind Auckland’s Most Thoughtful Public Space
