Learning Curve

User pays is a common enough concept, but when it came to building an after-school facility at Te Whanau o Tupuranga school, it was a case of user designs.

Clubhouse 274 was designed by the students for the students. Run by The Computer Club House Trust, the after-school programme is based on the global Computer Club network. Executive director Mike Usmar says the club concept is based on the belief that everyone can be a designer and creator.

"Consequently, it was appropriate that the building involved substantial design input from the students, who are already familiar with professional 3D engineering and CAD software. This was also a way to ensure the building reflects the face of the community, which is the face of Aotearoa and the Pacific."

The design and construction of Clubhouse 274 was project managed by Hughes Construction. Director Brian Hughes says the company worked with the trust to help establish the design brief and commission consultants, which included DVR Architects and Brian Jones Engineering. Hughes Construction also arranged quotations, collated information for funding and undertook the construction.

"It was envisaged that the clubhouse will be a prototype for other communities, so it was designed and built with this in mind," says Hughes. "It was important that it was not overly complicated."

The single-level timber-framed building features a curved wall that encloses the interior, reinforcing the sense of the building as a living body. With its raked roof line and varying radial curves to the front wall, each rafter is a different length and pitch.

"All these elements have a design significance for the Maori and Pacific student community," says Hughes. "For example, the curved front wall and roof lines are representative of Aotearoa, the Maori waka and waves of the Pacific Ocean."

The interior was designed to provide an environment conducive to computer learning the clubhouse is equipped with sophisticated computer and communications equipment. The trust also encourages the services of volunteer mentors.

As the building is in the Auckland Airport approach path, a full air conditioning, heat pump and ventilation system was designed to minimise aircraft noise levels. Additional soundproofing was also provided to prevent noise escaping from the music and video rooms into the main computer room.

For more details, contact Hughes Construction, PO Box 76-415, Manukau City 2241, phone (09) 259 0020, fax (09) 259 0021. Or visit the company's website: www.hughesconstruction.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas