THE HOUSE THAT EYE BUILT
International Recognition for Verda New Zealand decking selected for Japanese tsunami rebuild
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stunning wooden terrace supplied by New Zealand outdoor wood specialist, Verda International Ltd, is the focal point of a new development which signifies another step towards rebuilding the tsunamishattered communities of Northern Japan. The new Hakoneyama Terrace Centre overlooking the decimated town of Rikuzentakata officially opened on 11th September 2014 and is a shining symbol of recovery for the region. Verda International was commissioned to supply materials for the 500m2 wooden terrace which runs alongside two multi-storied buildings and gracefully descends down the Hokoneyama hillside. Verda’s managing director, Grant Butterworth, was at the official opening ceremony in Japan, which was also attended by local dignitaries, community leaders and government representatives. He says Rikuzentakata was close to the epicenter of Japan’s 2011 quake and was hit by a 14m-16m high tsunami. “There were thousands of people who died there. It was a beautiful town that was completely obliterated and because it was so close to the epicenter, this town is now seen as symbolic of the recovery in Japan.” The new complex is designed to serve several important functions. As well as an accommodation wing, it will house a business incubation centre to help re-start the local economy; be a learning and education centre; provide a facility for hosting arts and community events and serve as a meeting place for visitors in a stunning natural setting overlooking the sea and the town. “Because there is so much construction to be done, it’s a place where businesses and the community can grow while development and infrastructure is replaced. It’s very significant because it’s one of the first things to be rebuilt. Much of the old town centre is being raised 16m and fortified by a seawall and tsunami protection zone. A massive conveyor system has been built to literally move a mountain to lift the town. Until this huge engineering task is complete, reconstruction of the town itself cannot start which is why the Hakoneyama Terrace project is so important as an illustration of the area moving forward.” Leading Japanese landscape design firm, Studio Onsite, specifically requested Verda Outdoor products be used to construct the centerpiece of the 20,000m2 development. New Zealand radiata pine, treated with Verda’s patented technology to enhance stability and weathering, has been used to build the terrace which is designed to accommodate events such as music concerts and guest speakers. “In terms of design, it will be
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The Verda terrace at Hakoneyama Centre.
Grant Butterworth and Japanese dignitaries enjoying the terrace.
one of the most beautiful terraces we’ve ever done,” Butterworth says. “And it’s very humbling to be asked to participate in such a significant project in Japan’s rebuild.” The Rotorua-based company says being involved in such a high-profile international project also helps further cement the bonds which now exist between Japan and New Zealand following their tsunami and the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011. There is significant media interest in Japan including interviews broadcast from the Verda Terrace by the likes of NHK and Nippon Television. It’s a very exciting step for Verda in helping to position their premium outdoor wood products in high value, global markets. For more information on the Verda Outdoor range, visit www.verda.com