McKenzie Higham Architects is working with Te Aro School to design a new flexible use facility providing quality learning spaces to the school.
Te Aro School is one of the city’s oldest schools, on a site at Wellington’s city fringe with a rich history. Sitting above Aro Valley on the slopes of Puke-hinau ridge, prior to European occupation, it looked across to the Mo-era Kainga and gardens. From 1854 to 1925 it was home to one of Wellington’s earliest gaols, with one of the city’s best views, the Terrace Gaol.
Today this inner city, multi-cultural school is looking to its future. McKenzie Higham Architects was commissioned by the Ministry of Education to design a new building to house a learning environment that offers flexibility of layout and connectivity to the outdoors. It integrates sustainable design principles and responds to the school’s context, history and aspirations. Its materiality, finishes and colours reference the existing buildings establishing a coherent aesthetic for the school.
The new light-filled, vibrant series of interior spaces with specific provision for Te Aro’s 'garden to table' program will be a very welcome addition to the school. Construction is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
Take a preview look at the new building here …..
