By ASC Architects
These state-of-the-art schools incorporate both primary and junior colleges on one site -the first new school complex in New Zealand to do so since 1999. With over 10,000sqm of combined floor area, Mission Heights operates on a civic scale and challenges the traditional New Zealand education archetype, signaling that schools now engage with the public and their local community.
The forward-looking design responds to the requirements of the new education curriculum and to the schools' need to share facilities and work collaboratively. A series of buildings with continuous floating roof forms that generate a series of covered courtyards, this facility appears light and elegant, yet stoic and robust.
Both schools incorporate cutting-edge technology including smart cards for students to connect to user domains at any computer throughout the school, and the ability for pupils, teachers and parents to connect to the system from home.
The schools took a strong sustainability stance and were the first to apply a Green Star Education rating tool (which we developed with the New Zealand Green Building Council and Ministry of Education) to its design and construction. When it opened in January 2009, Mission Heights won a Best Practice Green Star Rating from the council.
Innovative systems include: light-harvesting technology, daylight-sensitive switching, solar panels for hot water heating, rainwater collection for servicing toilets, under-floor gas heating and an interactive system in the library that allows exploration of the green features of the school.
Photography : Michael Ng
ASC Architects is one of New Zealand's leading architectural practices, and provides architectural and interior design services for projects throughout the country. Our role is to inspire belief and our strength is our people.
We stand out for our tenacity to shine over six decades: our ongoing commitment to design quality and personal service is demonstrated by our numerous awards and the number of clients who continue to use our services. The company's dynamism is reflected in its people, its projects and its ability to keep succeeding in the face of ever-changing tastes, trends and technologies.
Operating from central Auckland, ASC Architects provides a wide range of architect services for projects throughout New Zealand, as a member of Designgroup Consortium. We have a significant track record in the delivery of sustainable design and we are a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council.
The council is made up of industry leaders committed to developing market-based solutions that help deliver efficient, healthier, innovative buildings for New Zealand.
ASC Architects is committed to achieving consistently high standards of sustainability within our projects.