Whanganui Collegiate School

WHANGANUI COLLEGIATE SCHOOL I ARRIVALS PRECINCT I WHANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND Designed for one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious Secondary Schools, Whanganui Collegiate School’s new arrivals precinct is a key component of the carefully considered masterplan, and holds some of the school’s most important buildings, both new and historic. These include the original Big School Building, Museum and the newly refurbished and strengthened Library. It also features the new Administration Building as an icon which provides a new ‘front door’ for the campus. Collectively, these buildings form a new external (Quad) Courtyard with an extensive landscaping initiative providing a substantial outdoor environment intended to be a well utilised space, with pedestrian flow between the buildings offering chance encounters between staff and students, as well as a place where larger gatherings can occur for special occasions. The arrivals precinct is also located with excellent proximity to the learning and boarding precincts and the number one sports field. The design intent for the building’s new architectural insertions creates a clear distinction between new and old, with form and materiality carefully referencing the exiting campus to complement the existing building fabric. Library Building The library refurbishment proposes a collection of flexible, modern and dynamic research / learning spaces. A new glazed annex forms a naturally lit entry lobby space while offering reflected views of the adjacent buildings and landscaping. Internally a new dark stained timber mezzanine is positioned centrally within the buildings main space, offset from the perimeter walls in respect to the original building interior and to allow the full volume of space to be appreciated. A key learning space in itself, the mezzanine allows the staff and students to inhabit the upper level of the building volume to better experience the vaulted ceilings along with the distinctive views out of the large gable end windows. Administration Building The new administration building nestles amongst a row of pohutukawa trees situated between the number one sports field and the new landscaped square. Crafted brickwork is seen as the predominant material as you arrive at the building’s main entrance with a large folded brick wall creating a dramatic vertical entryway. This entry sits next to a double height perforated brick screen which is coupled with expansive glazing to allow filtered daylight into the main reception area. Externally, the brickwork forms 3 prominent gabled structures that are expressed along the buildings main facades which are in reference the peaked roofs of the surrounding historic buildings. These forms are infilled with a generous use of glazing which speaks of modernity, transparency and open governance, while also filling the floor plates with natural light. The glazing is overlaid with woven brass screens that control privacy and light and will age and soften over time evoking a sense permanence, quality and history. Distinctive, innovative and complementary to the existing and new surrounding architectural language of the school, it presents a modern piece of architecture as the new face of Whanganui Collegiate School. This iconic Administration building provides a positive first impression of a school that prides itself on the importance of a holistic education, innovation and forward thinking.