Learning curve

Limited available space, cold prevailing winds and proximity to the flight path of the local airport were some of the constraints that helped shape the Remarkables Primary School.

Architectural firm Babbage Consultants with principal Frank Cleary at the helm won the contract following a restricted-list competition. With the exceptionally dramatic setting between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, Babbage wanted an architectural form that would respond to and integrate fully with the landscape. The design had to break the mould for a standard school layout to compensate for the modest land area and to provide sheltered outdoor spaces, says Cleary.

"As a response to the environment, buildings have been arranged to form a wind break around the play areas to enable comfortable year-round use," says Cleary. "The natural contours of the site have been used to create an outside auditorium or performance space embraced by the buildings. The land protects the play areas from wind on one side, while the buildings provide shelter on the other."

If the broad sweep of buildings is an unusual layout for a school, so too is the entranceway.The tight site, with just 100m of road frontage, also limited drop-off and arrival space. For this reason, the formal entrance to the school is on the roof of the administration block, says the architect.

"The entrance is signposted by two gull-wing cantilevered roof elements. Stairs and a lift give access to the administration spaces below, and the main school buildings range out to the right, reached by circulation links. An early childhood learning centre stands a small distance away."

Another important consideration for the architect was the overhead traffic the school is under the flight path for Queenstown Airport. To meet Ministry of Education acoustic requirements for learning spaces, Babbage adopted a concrete warm roof construction where insulation is positioned directly under the external waterproofing together with a mix of green roofs. These sound-absorbent solutions are augmented by completely sealed double-glazed windows and sound attenuated mechanical ventilation.

"Nestled within the contours of the land, the school also blends in with its environment in terms of finishes," says Cleary. "The green roofs give eco-friendly weather protection, cope with excess rain run-off and help merge the structures with the wider surroundings. Warm cedar cladding used in conjunction with fibre cement contributes to the natural aesthetic."

The high-profile rooftop entrance also does its bit to connect with the land. A variegated light grey and dark grey pattern on the double-height facade with windows in black calls to mind the rugged form of the mountains behind.

Besides responding to environmental factors, the school provides an advanced model for childhood sport, play and quiet time for the students.

For every four classrooms, there is an Awhina, or shared learning space these dedicated areas are used for anything from art to assembly to PE.

The protected outdoor area also offers options for the children. Court areas and more intimate play spaces are interwoven on the grounds, creating a safe and nurturing, child-friendly environment.

"The Ministry of Education, builders Naylor Love and Babbage all worked closely together to optimise the tricky site and create an effective learning facility," says Cleary. "The MoE had embraced the concept for the school from the outset a vision for a deft ergonomic layout and a sculptural presence on the Queenstown landscape."

Story by: Charles Moxham