Nelson College

Nelson College

Nelson College

The Commerce Centre at Nelson College embodies the school’s vision for a modern learning environment to educate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The facility consists of specialist classrooms, standard classrooms, leadership and seminar rooms, and staff amenities. The use of cutting-edge lightweight LVL timber in the contemporary architectural language differentiates the building from the others in the school, with inspirational forms and spaces to foster collaboration, learning and innovation.

A simple and efficient exterior is articulated with sculptural folded screens which provide shade to the north elevation, while a generous canopy signals and shelters the entry.

Nelson College Commerce Centre

Positioned to respect and feature a large existing oak tree adjacent to the entrance, a raised canopy provides a gateway to other parts of the campus and reinforces the central stair and circulation pathway through this terraced school.

Nelson College Commerce Centre

Internally, a wide, naturally lit stair at the rear provides opportunities for informal meetings between classes.

The design utilises a lightweight LVL timber structure with a high level of locally sourced prefabricated elements.

Nelson College Commerce Centre
Nelson College Commerce Centre
Nelson College Commerce Centre
Nelson College Commerce Centre

Client: Ministry of Education

Location: Nelson

Status: Completed 2016

Awards: NZIA Nelson/Marlborough Architecture Awards, Winner – Education, 2017

NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Awards, Finalist – Engineering Innovation, Excellence in Engineered Wood Products, 2017

Liam Dunstan, JTB Architects

Liam Dunstan

Senior Architectural Designer

Nelson

Karl Vercoe, JTB Architects

Karl Vercoe

Associate

Nelson