Studio Design + Architecture’s Team were asked to look at extending an existing conference area to cater for a growing need at one of New Zealand’s unique country hotels. Hilton Taupo Conference Centre involved a complex structural and architectural project with a tight timeframe. The project started with interior planning and design which drove the need to extend the spaces architecturally to bring this hotel facility up to its potential. The existing ballroom area was well used as a romantic wedding venue in a traditional weatherboard hotel reminiscent of the old New Zealand villa as well as a conference area. There was a large glazed area that was too hot in summer to be used and too cold in winter. Our brief was to extend the building and increase the size of the facility to cater for 200 seated in the main ballroom for weddings and conferences and then be able to cater for additional meetings and training sessions in other spaces at the same time.