Sione's Foundation Headquarters and Multipurpose Centre

The Brief

Sione’s Foundation required a purpose-built headquarters and multipurpose centre in Tonga that could accommodate a diverse range of community-driven services. The vision was to create a central hub incorporating a warehouse and office for the Foundation, as well as independent yet connected facilities including a medical centre, mechanic workshop, panel beaters, wreckers, maintenance service, gym, restaurant, and offices. Each element was to operate as a self-sustaining business that also offers practical workforce training to support long-term economic resilience for the Tongan people.

Our Solution

Bolster Building Design developed a master plan that brings together these varied functions into a cohesive, flexible and future-ready facility. Designed for long-term sustainability and community empowerment, the centre’s layout supports both operational efficiency and skills development. The modular design ensures that each component can be constructed, transported, and assembled using shipping containers—an essential requirement for remote project delivery in Tonga. Integration of training spaces within each service area ensures the facility will not only provide critical services but also create lasting employment pathways.

The Challenges

A primary challenge of the project was designing every building component to be shipped from overseas in standard shipping containers. This required detailed planning around dimensions, construction sequencing, materials, and services integration. Additionally, each building needed to be robust, climate-responsive, and easy to assemble with local labour and resources.

Bolster Building Design is a proud supporter of Sione’s Foundation and their incredible commitment to creating opportunity and independence for communities in Tonga. With four trips to Tonga and involvement in the planning and documentation of seven local projects to date, we are honoured to continue supporting initiatives that lay the foundation for a sustainable future.