S&T led the full design process — from master planning to construction — to deliver a redevelopment that reimagines how education is delivered in Aotearoa. The result is 33 new and refurbished teaching spaces, developed to respond to the school’s current needs and to address long-standing weathertightness and building condition challenges.
Our architectural approach emphasised flexibility and adaptability, with a layout that supports a wide range of teaching styles — from collaborative group work to focused, independent study. These new environments reflect the school’s curriculum direction and empower students through choice and connection.
As part of S&T’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the engineering team integrated a suite of modern, energy-efficient solutions to reduce the school’s operational emissions and improve resilience. Notably, the school now features the largest pre-assembled wood pellet boiler in the North Island — a biomass heating system that delivers low-carbon, reliable heating across the campus.
This system plays a critical role in reducing the school's carbon footprint while providing a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution — a benchmark for future school redevelopments across New Zealand.
Our specialist lighting design team focused on delivering well-lit, intuitive, and dynamic learning environments that enhance visibility, mood, and wellbeing. From general classrooms to specialist areas and communal spaces, the lighting strategy balances aesthetics with function — incorporating daylight-responsive technologies that reduce energy use.
The redesign of Wainuiomata High School represents more than just new buildings — it’s a long-term investment in a sustainable educational future. The campus supports student-selected learning pathways, modern teaching practices, and reflects values of kaitiakitanga through its climate-responsive design.
This project exemplifies S&T’s holistic, multidisciplinary approach to architecture, engineering, and lighting design — working in collaboration with the Ministry and the community to deliver lasting value to the region.
See the full project details and images here
