New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 34/02C | Page 46

10-storey apartment building to the east,
contrasted with a 5-storey party wall to the west.
“These massing constraints resulted in a stepped
section across the site, establishing a series of cas-
cading ‘garden terraces’ that offer a rich diversity of
external spaces located off classrooms. The school
is organised around this vertical section, starting
with the youngest pupils (3-5 years) at ground floor
through to junior pupils (9-11 years) at the top.”
This arrangement also allowed for the main hall
– for assemblies and dining – and a large multi-
use space to form the school’s social heart on the
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ground floor. Retractable partitioning separating
these two dynamic hall spaces means the whole of
the ground floor can be opened into a single space
for large communal events.
“Large rooflights bring natural daylight deep into
the heart of the plan to enliven the communal hall
areas below and the circulation spaces running
alongside the atrium,” says Jolly.
Classrooms at each level are positioned on the
edge of the terraces, with sliding doors opening
directly onto the external learning and play areas.
As well as promoting exercise and sport, the
Below:Facilities at the new
school provide for a larger primary
school, a full time nursery and an
autism centre, accommodating
458 pupils in total.
Below, right:Classrooms are
bathed in natural light with large
fixed windows facing the street
and opening windows with
facade louvres providing natural
ventilation via the playgrounds.