Inside the new Supreme Court

ROBERT KITCHIN/The Dominion Post

SILVER MAKES GOLD: The inside of the new courtroom is designed to look like a kauri cone, with more than 2000 panels of silver beech wood curving around the walls. The screens housing televisions are also strategically placed for sound, while the skylight abides by the judges' request for natural light.

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After six years, and $80.7 million, New Zealand's new Supreme Court has been opened by Prince William. The building was a milestone for New Zealand, the prince said in a speech yesterday.

"For six years now, you have had your own Supreme Court Bench and a Supreme Court appeal system. What has been lacking is a building."

Construction of the building, and renovation of the adjoining old High Court building, began in 2008.

The building's exterior, with the bronze screen depicting pohutukawa and rata trees entwined, has already caused some controversy amongst architects and the public, who question the design merit.

The interior of the glass building had been out of bounds until yesterday.

Inside, everything is built around the courtroom, which architect Roy Wilson, of Warren and Mahoney, said was designed to look like a kauri cone.

At the front is the bench where the five Supreme Court judges will hear cases. It faces a window that looks right out to Lambton Quay. That allowed "open justice", Mr Wilson said. Prince William said the room had an extraordinary feel to it.

The new building also features the judges' chambers on the second floor, and a judicial library.

Mr Wilson said the design of the new building, while required to be modern, was also sympathetic to the old.

Elements include the new and old courtrooms being in line with each other, and the bronze screen matching the height of the old building. The kauri panelling of the old building is also reflected in the kauri cone shape of the new courtroom.

The new building is open to the public, and tours are being arranged. Regular tours of the old building will also be made available, in keeping with its heritage status.

- © Fairfax NZ News