Schools and Education
We design learning environments that support effective teaching, enhance student wellbeing, and reflect the character of each school community. Our approach prioritizes flexibility and creating spaces that support a range of traditional and new teaching methods.
We collaborate closely with principals, teachers, boards, and the Ministry of Education to ensure every project delivers on educational outcomes, safety, durability, and long-term value. Our designs prioritise thermal comfort, daylight, acoustic quality, and operational efficiency, all while working within budget requirements. The result is enjoyable, safe, and warm learning environments that enable students and teachers to thrive today—and remain adaptable for the demands of tomorrow.
Example Projects
Client Ministry of Education
Brief Building One - 8 Classroom Block, Building Two - 5 Classroom Technology Block
A new landscaped courtyard forms the heart of the campus, with teaching and specialist learning spaces arranged to support small groups, traditional classes, and larger co‑teaching formats. The redevelopment progressed in stages through 2023–2024, maintaining school operations while introducing flexible, future‑ready environments. The two buildings include a general classroom block and a specialist classroom building for food technology, textiles, science, and art, alongside a material workshop with machine room.
Client Cholmondely Children's Centre Incorporated
Brief Respite Centre with Teaching, Play, Living, and Overnight Facilities for 20 Childrens
The Cholmondley rebuild was co‑designed with the centre’s staff, community, and children after the Canterbury Earthquakes. The single‑level buildings wrap a sheltered courtyard to create a safe, non‑institutional environment with intimate and group spaces, robust timber detailing, and playful elements that promote comfort and wellbeing. Positioned on the Governor’s Bay headland, the layout maximises views of Lyttelton Harbour and connects to a sheltered courtyard for indoor-outdoor learning.
Client Ministry of Education
Brief 9 Classroom Block
Hornby High School’s new teaching block brings together nine flexible classrooms that support individual and collaborative learning, with high-performance heating, ventilation, and daylighting for year‑round comfort. Working with the school we developed a design that complements the wider campus while providing spaces that reflect the school’s needs. Developed with in partnership with HRS Construction, this building opens at the start of 2026.
Client Ministry of Education
Brief 4 Classroom Block
This classroom facility was designed in partnership with Naylor Love to create a simple yet effective solution for modern learning environments. Individual classrooms are thoughtfully arranged around a central shared space, fostering flexibility and collaboration for a variety of teaching and learning activities. The design emphasizes natural light and clear sightlines throughout the building, enhancing openness and connectivity. Durable, robust materials were selected to ensure longevity and resilience, making this a practical and inspiring space for education. This building was completed in late 2025.
Client Ministry of Education
Brief 4 Teaching Space Block with Maker Space
The building includes two co‑teaching hubs that enhance the school’s pedagogy with improved comfort through upgraded heating, ventilation, and daylighting. The building’s name, Rakamaomao, and the broader cultural narrative—gifted by Ngāi Tahu—connect the new spaces to Te Manu Tukutuku’s whakapapa of winds and the school’s cultural narrative. The building includes a multiuse makerspace room.
Client Ministry of Education
Brief 7 Classroom Block
Light‑filled, acoustically tuned classrooms, breakout rooms, and a central shared area open to covered outdoor learning zones to support collaborative, adaptable teaching. This project reflects a practical, people-focused environment that fosters collaboration and adaptability in education. The classrooms surround a central shared space with ark and cooking bench, with smaller breakout rooms for small group teaching.
Client Ministry of Education
Brief Building One - 12 Classroom Block + Hall + Multi-use Classroom Room, Building Two - Library and Admin, Landscape - Entrance, Courtyard, and Terrace
Two new buildings create a vibrant learning environment, including a teaching wing with interconnected classrooms and a multi-use hall, alongside terraces and landscaped areas that connect to sports fields and playgrounds. A second building houses a library with quiet outdoor spaces and staff administration areas, supporting both learning and community engagement.
Client Villa Maria College Ltd
Brief 16 Classroom Block including Specialist Technology and General Teaching Spaces
Flexible multi-use areas and shared spaces encourage collaboration and adaptability, supporting modern education in a healthy, comfortable environment. The design prioritises wellbeing while enabling students to learn in a variety of group settings. The building features class spaces for textiles, food, IT, performance and recording, languages and social sciences.
Generous glazing and sliding doors create strong indoor-outdoor connections, allowing light and views to flow through the building. Retaining the familiar north-facing verandah, the design fosters openness, flexibility, and a sense of continuity with the school’s heritage.
Client Glentunnel School
Brief Multiuse Library Building
This flexible space functions as both a library and a venue for larger gatherings. A connected deck links to the original classroom verandah and ends with wide steps for sitting outdoors, overlooking the adjacent field—encouraging learning, connection, and community use.
