Tauranga Intermediate School is the largest Intermediate school in the country with a growing population of over 1200 students.

It is a very special school supported by the wider community for providing children with the foundation and confidence to express themselves and unlock their potential before entering High School.

Therefore, the responsibility of the new concept design had to embrace this philosophy by designing a stimulating learning environment that excited the children and teachers.

There were 12 very old classrooms that required replacement and these were removed from site to make way for the new “Flexible Learning Environment“

Stage 1 for the new building was 1000sqm, plus covered verandah spaces.

The brief to provide a large open plan space for each group of 4 classes, meant that there were 3 Learning Pods for 360 students, plus ancillary lobbies, teacher resources and toilet spaces.

The existing classrooms turned their backs on a sloping green space with mature colourful trees, so the new concept opened it’s arms to this space, with the formation of a grassed amphitheatre for recreation and open air learning.

This also acknowledged the pedestrian gateway into the school.

The form of the building is made of 3 distinct pods, which are wedge shaped and splay away from each other as they curve around the upper edge of the amphitheatre. Each Pod has plenty height with glazing to provide good natural light and a visual connection to the backdrop of trees.

The interior fit out enables large and small groups of children with the colours and textures reflecting the trees and forests. Acoustic treatment of the spaces is essential with coloured leaf baffles and panels.

With the introduction of pivoted screens, stepped platforms, media systems and organic furniture, the teachers can continually change the spaces for each activity.