Body and soul

It is a widely held view that the most effective approach to our children's education is a holistic one. A school that places strong focus on mental advancement, socialisation and physical development is better equipped to ensure its students develop into healthy, well-adjusted young adults.

This approach can be seen at the heart of the recently completed Auckland Grammar Sports Centre, designed by architectural firm Architectus. The new facility offers an efficient, durable sporting venue that includes badminton courts, basketball and netball courts, changing rooms, and staff facilities. It also houses three teaching facilities, catering to a health education curriculum.

The project was overseen by Wallace Project Managements, and built by Aspec Construction and its subcontractors. Auckland Grammar School Director of Business and Development Vicki Barrie says that the board members had wanted a facility that would match the iconic status of the school's main building in terms of aesthetics, functionality and longevity.

"Architects, board members and staff who are to use the building all visited other similarly focused projects to find out what had, and hadn't, worked best for them. We are in their debt, as this foreknowledge contributed greatly to the functionality of our complex."

The level of workmanship, from architects to sub-contractors, was fantastic throughout, says Barrie.

"With 2500 boys using the centre, it had to offer everything from consummate floor surfaces to a light-flooded interior reactions to the end result have been great from students, staff and parents alike."

Story by: Trendsideas