Parakai School faced ongoing challenges with inadequate space and unhealthy classrooms for many years. The objective was to revitalize their environment by creating an inclusive, versatile, and energy-efficient classroom block, along with a multipurpose and elegant hall that connects seamlessly with the existing school facilities. Additionally, a new school pedestrian drop off area was designed to provide a safer and more welcoming experience for students and whānau.

While the brief was straightforward, the responsibility to uplift and empower the school community was significant. We collaborated closely with the school to determine the sizes of learning spaces and their connectivity, as well as to test the balance between open and enclosed spaces. This approach ensures that a diverse range of student abilities can be accommodated.

Parakai School sits within both a geothermally active and flood-prone zone. The necessity to raise floor levels to mitigate floods, allowed us to integrate a series of dynamic outdoor learning spaces, fosters engagement with nature while maximizing the functionality of the site for all-weather learning activities.

Acoustic performance was a key consideration in our selection of materials, carefully aligned with the specific teaching activities in both buildings. Each material specified in the project was chosen for its low maintenance and multifunctionality. To reduce future maintenance costs, we minimized the variety of materials while ensuring their durability. The colour and texture of the materials were selected based on their harmonious interaction under varying light conditions, creating a visually appealing environment throughout the year. Our focus on a positive visual impact aimed to enhance the overall experience for occupants, fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning and engagement.

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