Meadowbank School - where flexibility and form combine

Auckland, New Zealand

Client: Ministry of Education

Sector: Education and Science

The goal for Meadowbank School was to create a functional and cost-effective solution that met the school’s current and future needs while optimising its existing site.

At a glance

Faced with growing student numbers, Ministry of Education needed to address Meadowbank School’s capacity challenges by adding four new teaching spaces and refurbishing its existing reception and administration building. The goal was to create a functional and cost-effective solution that met the school’s current and future needs while optimising its existing site.

The challenge

With growing roll numbers and an aging administration building no longer fit for purpose, the Ministry of Education recognised the need for a modern solution for Meadowbank School. The goal was to deliver a new two storey classroom block that not only addressed these challenges but also preserved the school’s valuable green spaces. The focus was on maximising land use, improving functionality and creating a vibrant, future ready school environment.

Our response

Given the site’s space constraints, the old administration building was replaced with a new, two-storey structure that combined modern administration facilities with teaching spaces. This not only created a functional hub but also freed up valuable green space, offering a more open and welcoming environment for both students and staff.

To strengthen the connection between students and the outdoors, teaching spaces were placed on the ground floor. The design prioritised open, flexible spaces to support diverse teaching and learning styles. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light, creating a bright and inspiring atmosphere, while breakout areas accommodate various activities, from group work to independent study.

The reception and administration areas are located on the upper floor, elevated above road level for better visibility and easy access via an external ramp. This solution eliminated the need for a lift, further enhancing cost-efficiency without compromising accessibility.

The building’s design stays true to the school’s existing material palette, ensuring it blends with its surroundings while giving the school a refreshed and modern street presence.

By choosing a two-storey design, we maximised the use of the limited site, balancing functionality with visual appeal.

Throughout the project, we worked closely with the construction team, the Ministry of Education and school representatives to develop a well-coordinated staging plan, ensuring minimal disruption to daily school activities.

The impact

The project has made a positive impact on Meadowbank School, introducing a modern, functional and efficient two-storey building designed to support the growing student population. By updating the school’s infrastructure, we’ve not only addressed current needs but also set them up to be flexible with future demands.