Tai Wananga

Hamilton’s Ruakura suburb is known for its Innovation Park, a hub of entrepreneurial and R&D enterprises. It makes it a fitting location for the technology-driven and innovation-inspired secondary school, Tai Wananga.

Catering mainly for Māori pupils, with a strong emphasis on individualised tailored learning, Chow:Hill was briefed with converting an underutilised laboratory complex into a fully functional school, complete with teaching, dining and conference spaces. Key features of the learning environment were to include a focus on technology, innovation and discovery, with academic studies being supported by a robust health and wellbeing programme.

In addition to delivering on Tai Wananga campus guidelines, Chow:Hill also needed to provide an economic solution for landlord, AgResearch, to deliver a commercial return on investment. Existing building fabric was utilised to meet budget restraints, while achieving a large, open plan, flexible ‘office’ area to accommodate up to 120 students in an arrangement of spaces.

Internal partitions and ceilings were removed to expose steel trusses while large windows were designed to maximise daylight penetration and allow for natural ventilation. The school’s new lobby provides a focused entranceway with exterior landscaping encouraging a welcoming ambience.

The overall design aesthetic is one of vibrancy and success and reflects the school’s emphasis on innovation, technology and discovery, while recognising the 100+ year history and character of the site’s neighbouring research facilities.