The journey to light and wellness

With its gifted name meaning "The journey towards light and wellness," Te Waka Aorangi provides focused treatment for children with neuro-diverse, behavioural and mental health needs. A cultural narrative, bestowed on the project by local iwi, shaped the interior design+  brought to life through the bold use of Neoflex 600 Series rubber flooring from Advance Flooring.

The idea: Healthcare seen through the eyes of a child

"The client’s vision was for the design to be seen 'through the eyes of a child,'" says Lance Adolph, Director at Jigsaw Architects. "Rather than a cold, clinical space, the Centre needed to feel welcoming — somewhere children might not want to leave."

Additionally, the design concept aligns with international healthcare principles that integrate natural imagery and biophilic design to support wellbeing. Combined with the cultural narrative, it guided the creation of a calm, low-stimulus environment to support each child’s path to wellness.

The design: Incorporating nature through colour, form and texture

Natural materials and colours, variations in lighting that echo the shifts of light and shadow in nature, and slow-motion nature videos in the waiting area all contribute to the Centre’s sensory atmosphere.

"The range of colours available in the Neoflex rubber, and the ability to lay organic, curved forms into the floor, gave real depth to the design," says Lance. "The material also supported the low-stimulus brief, offering a soft footfall for acoustic comfort. Applied to selected columns in circulation zones, it provided subtle impact protection for children at play."

The outcome: A durable and compliant finish with design flexibility

As a public project, the flooring needed to meet specific performance standards, including a required fire surface rating — all of which the Neoflex 600 Series rubber achieved.

"The Centre required robust materials, and Neoflex delivered," says Lance. "The pre-applied Fresh Finish reduced installation time, removing the need for an additional on-site sealer coat. Its recycled content was an added advantage — an appealing factor for project stakeholders.