Pictured: Summerhill Charitable Trust trustee Gabrielle Walton and builder Charlie Cruickshank of CC Built.

Tucked in the foothills of Pāpāmoa, where farmland meets forest, a new kind of community space has put down permanent roots - one that has the local surroundings at the heart of the building itself. 

And after officially opening at the beginning of May, the Summerhill Community Base (“The Base”) is already becoming a vibrant hub for education, sustainability, and connection.

"From the beginning, the vision was to create a space that celebrates the natural resources of this land," says Nadine Bailey, who helps coordinate the Summerhill Trust’s activities.

"We wanted it to reflect its heritage as a working farm, and also to serve the growing demand from groups needing a purpose-built facility."

Founded in the 1950s by David and Chloe Blackley, Summerhill began as a working farm and forestry block. In the early 2000s, recognising the land's recreational potential, the Blackley family began allowing school and community groups to access the property. This generosity then evolved into a formal gift - 146 hectares placed in trust for the community in 2012. Now managed by the Summerhill Charitable Trust, the land remains a functioning farm while also serving as a public park used for education, recreation, and conservation.

But as more schools, youth groups, and organisations sought to use the land, the original woolshed - while iconic - was proving increasingly unfit for purpose. So, in partnership with the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture, the Trust began designing something new, a space inspired by the traditional woolshed, but reimagined with a sustainable and architectural flair.

"The brief was simple, to celebrate the character of the land, the land’s materials and honouring its farming history," says Nadine.

“It was about creating a dedicated, functional, and inspiring space that reflected the natural beauty and resourcefulness of the property.

"And the architects certainly delivered."

The result? A contemporary take on the classic woolshed, with panoramic views, sustainable materials, and thoughtful design that makes the natural world the star of the show.

Key to the build was the use of Summerhill Timbers’ milled onsite and insulated with wool, which came directly from sheep grazed on the land. And when PGW Wool’s local wool rep Maree Mather heard about the project, she saw the possibility of supporting the Trust with what they were looking to achieve.

After getting the tick of approval from Upper North Island Regional Manager Dave McMillin, PGW stepped in to sponsor the wool, assisting with the scouring, processing, and installation of the material.

"It just made sense," says Dave. 

"When I saw what they were building, it was clear this project aligned perfectly with our values - sustainability, education, and rural community support. And how many places can say the building came from the land it stands on? Timber from the forest, wool from the sheep, all showcased for the community to see and learn from. It’s authentic, it’s sustainable, and it’s exactly the kind of project PGW is proud to be involved with.”

And Maree agrees, noting that PGW’s contribution was about more than just materials - it was a chance to be part of something bigger. 

"I’ve watched the dream turn into reality. And gave us a chance to showcase what our industry can do. Because it’s right there in the walls, behind Perspex, it’s wool you can see so it is a very visible part of the story."

Since opening in May, the Base has already welcomed a wide variety of users, from supporting the North Island Secondary School Mountain Biking Championships to the Western BOP Intermediate and Secondary School Mountain Biking Champs and later this year, the AIMS Games with 400 young competitors and their families. Becoming a much-needed gathering point for volunteers, educators, and local groups, the proximity to both forest trails and working farmland offers a unique setting for learning and recreation.

“We’re already seeing how this building allows people to connect more deeply with the land. The feedback has been incredible and it’s amazing to see who is coming through the doors," says Nadine.

"We’ve had kindergartens, catchment and community groups, iwi guides - the facility is quickly becoming a treasured local asset."

For Dave, the impact of the project goes beyond The Base. 

"It’s a great example of how we can bring people together around shared values. I’m already talking to our leadership team about using the space for training. It’s such a powerful setting.

“This wasn’t just a building project - it was about celebrating what the land provides and connecting people back to the whenua."

The Summerhill Community Base represents more than the sum of its parts. It’s a showcase of the best New Zealand has to offer - natural materials, community spirit, and a deep respect for land and legacy. And while PGW’s support was just one part of a wider group who has helped make it happen, it was an amazing opportunity to reinforce its commitment to the wool industry and rural New Zealand.

"This project brought together so many hands and hearts," says Nadine. 

“A lot of people don’t understand who we are and what we do at Summerhill Trust. They think we are part of the council, but we are actually a not-for-profit. Even prior to this build, everything we have achieved has been due to the generosity of others giving their time and energy. 

"And thanks to partners like PGW, we can keep showing future generations what sustainability and community really look like."