Waimea College - Nelson, New Zealand

Designed as a joint venture between Arthouse Architects and Sheppard & Rout, the Timber Technology building includes one specialist horticulture teaching space, alongside eight standard classrooms. Four of these can be increased in size due to large operable walls between, allowing for greater flexibility in learning.

Sustainable New Zealand products are used throughout, including Abodo’s Vulcan Decking made from rapidly renewable, thermally modified timber.

Verified to store more carbon than is used in its production, Vulcan Decking stores approximately 13kg of carbon equivalent per square metre.

The overall timber structure is left exposed to showcase the structural capabilities of timber and the beauty of its natural grain and texture.

Classrooms are light-filled and warm, with a light shelf integrated on the first floor to add additional natural light and further highlight the timber structure.

Work on the Stage 2 building is now well underway and will be a continuation of the stage 1 structure and aesthetics.