By Modo Architects
Nelson
Photos: John-Paul Pochin
Project Architect: Brendon Monk
Victory Primary School’s approach to learning and community has become an example and inspiration to schools throughout New Zealand and is at the heart of the positive growth of the wider Victory community where Brendon was living at the time.
This library and resource centre was one of several projects that were to transform the school’s built environment to better represent its strong and unique culture.
A tight budget led to the creative re-use and re-shuffle of an old local technical institute prefab building and the use of second hand materials in selected areas. This allowed the school to preserve funds for some yet to come new parts of the overall redevelopment.
A palette of materials, colours and vegetation was established including stained plywood, grey Colorsteel, unpainted timber poles, tuatara symbols and specific cultural patterns and colours.
This project was designed by Brendon during his time at Arthouse Architecture.
Awards: N.Z.I.A. Nelson/Marlb local Award 2012
MODO Architects operates with the simple overriding desire to produce buildings of poetic beauty and place. We have a responsibility to create buildings that respond to and engage with people and landscape, both visually and sustainably. MODO Architects are skilled in a wide range of architectural design from residential, multi-unit residential, commercial, education, community, interior and landscape.
For us the first and most important stage of the architectural process is to understand and empathize with you, the client. Having an architect that can step into your shoes and see the project from your perspective is essential. We are based in Auckland but spend several days per month in and around Nelson on projects. We are used to working remotely so can take on projects anywhere.