Redundant and decommissioned pillboxes are littered across the idylic coastline of New Zealand. Never were they put to use, but they remain a very real and cemented reminder of New Zealands war history. There are a series of ‘arrow-like’ bunkers which are generously spread along the coastline north of Napier, New Zealand. Everyday, thousands of locals and tourists pass these isolated concrete mounds that shield state highway 2 from the ocean. These bunkers have been redundant for quite some time; the concrete is coated in a thick layer of moss and the gun cutouts have recently had grates put over them to prevent vandalism. The goal is to open up these structures to the community.; promote use from all areas of society and to celebrate the natural beauty of New Zealand.
‘The Store’ is a service stop along a main highway stretch of the New Zeland coastline. It is to cater for both locals and tourists. Coffee and food are available fresh every morning for those travelling to work; toilets and live area information available for those travelling the country. Machinegun placement cutouts are used to frame the scenery, to celebrate the present while also remembering the past. Live information screens provide weather information and also promote activities to do locally. The concept has been endorsed by Napier City Council and is seen as a positive foot forward; in both preserving New Zealands war history while providing numerous services for the wider community.
KET FACTS:
_14,105 Cars per day will be exposed to The Store - tourists, workers and locals - encouraging maximum use by the community
_Each bunker would cost approximately $68,000 NZD to convert. This could potentially be funded by Napier City Council.
_Herbs and Vegetables are grown in large troughs, these are available for the use of locals and travelling campervan tourists.
_Rainwater is collected with the angled roof and led to the service void through the guttering. Water utilised for toilets and cafe.
_A Coffee and Food offering is available with scenic views framed by what were gun placements
_Solar roof panels capture energy which is stored in battery cells within the service void
