A group of car enthusiasts sought a dedicated space to house their extensive collection and provide public access for regular viewings. Collaborating with Team Architects Wellington and Miyamoto New Zealand, they acquired land in Upper Hutt, and three years later, the Cars Inc. car museum and café opened to the public, typically displaying 50 cars.
The owners specified full-height masonry block walls for security against theft, while also requesting minimal internal columns to maximise the flexibility of the space. Despite the increased seismic loads from the masonry walls, Miyamoto developed a cost-effective structural solution that met all design requirements.
The museum and café are open seven days a week, offering visitors not only the chance to admire the vehicles but also to appreciate the structural design that supports the space.