Newtown School

Newtown School

Newtown School

This Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) teaching block for Newtown School caters for 350 students, incorporating a Māori immersion unit, Ngāti Kotahitanga, alongside four large learning studios.

The two storey building consists of two main volumes connected by an external deck, and a high level canopy that sails over a new main pedestrian entrance to the school. Designed to address its immediate environment and provide a positive edge between the public and private, the new entrance reinforces the streetscape and gives the school a recognisable front door.

Engagement with the school community throughout the design process was open, participatory and inclusive. This ensured the built outcome accurately reflects school aspirations, within Ministry of Education design guidelines.

Newtown School
Newtown School

Within the school grounds, the new building acts as a backdrop to the play area and forms a link to existing buildings. The terrace at ground floor and first floor, features colourful cantilevering boxes and provides sheltered muti-use outdoor space.

Newtown School
Newtown School

The interior design promotes flexibility to support a range of learning and teaching approaches.

Anchored by a neutral colour palette, each of the four Whānau learning studios is given a separate colour for identification, and to highlight specific zones such as breakout spaces and wet areas. The result is a coherent interior scheme that gives each studio a subtle but distinct character.

Newtown School
Newtown School

Client: Ministry of Education

Location: Wellington

Status: Completed 2018