New Zealand's largest mass timber office building will be constructed in Tauranga.

Developer Willis Bond has worked with architects Warren and Mahoney, designing the building with the hopes of reducing embodied carbon to its lowest point. Photo: Supplied

The building, which will house the Tauranga City Council, will aim for a net zero carbon footprint in its construction.

Council Commission chairperson Anne Tolley said they wanted to push the boundaries with a wholly-sustainable design.

Developer, Willis Bond, has worked with architects, Warren and Mahoney, in designing the building with the hopes of reducing embodied carbon to its lowest point.

"Willis Bond and Council staff continue to work with mana whenua to ensure that mātauranga Māori principles are incorporated and add to the look and feel of the building", she said.

The 10,000sqm building will feature rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging spaces.

Willis Bond Executive chairperson Mark McGuinness said the project is unique in its scale.

He said the goal was to keep as much carbon in the ground as possible, and to walk with a light footprint.

The building will have timber in place of traditional concrete and steel elements with a view to reduce carbon emissions.

Construction of the Devonport Rd building is expected to start later this year and be completed before the end of 2024.

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