The Puna Room Project: A Safe Haven Reimagined

Take one look at the before and after pictures of The Puna Room and you will struggle to recognise that the cheerful space ever started out as a plain and uninspired garage.

Te Whānau Rangimarie women’s refuge in Auckland, temporarily homes women and their children who require safety and support as a result of domestic violence. The Puna Room is the double garage that adjoins this safe house, serving as a playroom, living space and educational area for the children.

Artist and colour maximist Evie Kemp alongside charity Woven Earth, spearheaded the transformation of the space, with hopes of uplifting spirits and bringing joy to those who spend time at the refuge. Bright colours and playful design for big impact on a shoestring budget was the brief.

Cold concrete floors were covered with sheet vinyl, favoured for ease of installation and easy cleaning. Sheet vinyl has a small amount of cushioning which provides softness underfoot. Evie chose a lighter timber design, ‘Mediterranean in colour Vero’, from Flooring Xtra. Changing the floor from hard bare concrete had a huge amount of visual impact, making the space feel homely and complete.

Within The Puna Room you will find an ‘Imagination Station’, ‘Fantasy Dress-Up Station’, magnetic moveable leafy wallscape, arts and crafts area and reading nooks. Flooring Xtra is thrilled to have worked with Evie and all other contributors, on the reimagined Puna Room.