S&T was engaged to replace an earthquake damaged teaching block with a new L-shaped arrangement which creates a strong border to both the busy Shirley Road frontage and neighbouring two storey masonic lodge.

A continuous covered deck links the covered learning areas at the ends of each
wing, providing ample protected space for learning to spill outside. Steps from the deck to the courtyard serve as tiered seating areas, creating an amphitheatre feel, and raising the building above the potentially liquefiable ground.

The two wings / learning hubs of the building, entitled Mahuri and Rakau, serve as general teaching areas housing up to 180 children (six teaching spaces) each. Each hub has a large maker space to encourage food tech and science experimentation.
Spatial planning was organised around a series of ‘learning settings’, ranging from open and flexible collaborative spaces, to smaller direct and focused learning settings.

Connecting these hubs at the more introspective centre of the ‘L’ are the library and multi-purpose hall which can be isolated for community use after hours.