Te Wananga O Aotearoa, Tauranga

Our brief was to design a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for a roll of 200 full time and a similar number of part-time students. This 2000m2 building comprises two pavilions, a single level teaching and classroom block and a two level one; accommodating workshops, combined staff/student dining and administration on a relatively constricted site. These pavilions are accessed via a single storey entrance foyer/link.

Project details

This 2000m² building comprises two pavilions, a single level teaching and classroom block and a two level one, accommodating workshops, combined staff/student dining and administration on a relatively constricted site. These pavilions are accessed via a single storey entrance foyer/link. The built form reflects the essence of traditional Maori building practice without resorting to overt references.

Careful attention was also paid to create appropriate external landscaped areas that would accommodate Maori ceremonial protocol.

This is our first completed tertiary education project and was delivered as a joint-venture Design and Build with CBC Construction of Tauranga. The Project also represents a significant departure for Te Wananga o Aotearoa as it is their first facility to be procured in this manner.

Awards

2016 NZIA Award for Te Waning o Aotearoa

2016 NZIA : Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Award