By Dwelling Architectural Design
A staged redevelopment of Wakari Primary School in Dunedin meant the following: -
1.) Removal of three 1960’s, asbestos ridden prefab classrooms
2.) New Classroom block containing 3 classrooms + breakout spaces
3.) New playground
4.) Accessibility upgrade – from the carpark, up to the new classroom block. This included a new 3 story lift, new ramps, access friendly reception area, fire upgrades and widening of doors for further ease of accessibility
Wakari Primary School was founded in 1858.
DWELLING’S PHILOSOPHY
Designing is part of the process of creating, and it should be a process that is enjoyed by all – from the client to the sub-contractor. It is a chance to dream and the end result should be something that everyone is proud of.
Design needs to be sustainable, individual & tailored for the site. Thought needs to be given to materials, sun, views, prevailing wind, budget and how the client lives in order to make the final outcome relevant.
Design needs to be thorough with attention paid to detail. This is the art of communicating through drawings. Time and attention paid at the start, pays dividends during the build. Design decisions need to be made early. It is strange but true that to make something look simple and elegant takes more time, thought and detail than making a cluttered form.
Creating takes a team. For a build to be a successful, it takes teamwork from the client, the designer, consultants, the contractor and sub-contractors working towards a common goal. We are in this together and together we can come up with creative solutions. The job does not end when the design is complete but the designer needs to be involved until the end.
That is Dwelling’s goal – Creative, sustainable and thoughtful design, brought to life by a team that enjoys the process.