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Te Āhuru

A recreation centre supporting student wellbeing, connection and activity at the heart of Auckland University of Technology

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A destination for sport, relaxation and student life

Located in Unilodge’s student accommodation building at the heart of AUT’s City Campus, the five-storey Te Āhuru Recreation Centre is a dynamic destination for sport, relaxation and social connection. Just a stone’s throw from academic activities, the inviting centre is open to all AUT students and offers a refreshing break from academic life – a place to exercise, unwind and connect.

Designed to accommodate fitness and leisure, Te Āhuru provides a layered experienced across its five levels. Facilities become progressively more active in nature as you move downward through the building. At street-level, students are welcomed into open kitchens and break-out spaces for informal meetups, student clubs, or socialising. The mid-level houses movement and dance studios along with a cardio room, and at the base, a double-height, multi-use court supports energetic activities like futsal, basketball and other team sports. The top two floors currently accommodate AUT staff offices.

A calming space with an energetic spirit

Te Āhuru is a key part of AUT’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience. The brief called for a design that blends energy with ease – recognising how students increasingly seek flexible, multifunctional spaces that reflect the changing nature of leisure in a digital-first world. The interior embraces a raw yet refined material palette with exposed services and neutral finishes to create a calming backdrop. Bespoke joinery and furniture, and bold colour blocking help define individual zones, balancing functionality with personality. These are further enhanced by large-scale supergraphics that merge placemaking with wayfinding, injecting a sense of play and purpose into the space. The result is an environment that not only supports physical and mental wellbeing, but also adds a fresh, fun dimension to campus life.