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Quiet learning, a cafeteria, administration and service areas are located in a double storey structure along the motorway boundary.

A large canopy extending off this structure houses practical learning areas for the construction trades which include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and decorating. All services are mostly exposed for student learning.

Conceived as an honest building the strong forms act as a highway entrance and exit marking-point to and from the Hutt Valley creating a “gateway” to Wellington City from the Hutt Valley.

The bronze steel-clad boxes provide a reference to the container site sheds along the boundary and the common use of these on building sites in
New Zealand.

Two upper level steel clad boxes sit on a concrete base. These extend on each end addressing north and south motorway traffic.

The site of the new School of Construction is constrained by its shape, poor ground conditions and immediate adjacency to State Highway. Hutt City Council also required that the resulting building become an iconic feature gateway.

The "iconic" look of the response was achieved through simple steel-clad box forms, which reflect the containers used by the house building crews in the adjacent yard, and use of appropriate materials without adding complexity to the main building design. 

The complex provides students with ample space to work on real life construction projects as well as social spaces in the student hub area and staff offices.

Designgroup Stapleton Elliott
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Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone
Weltec School of Construction, Petone

Professionals used in
Weltec School of Construction, Petone

About the
Professional

Designgroup Stapleton Elliott is a design lead practice with a collaborative studio that fosters creative contributions from all our talented staff and specialist consultants we collaborate with.

We specialise in a wide range of work delivering design excellence in projects ranging from urban regeneration, master planning, education, public buildings, commercial buildings, interiors and housing.

We encourage diversity of thinking resulting in design solutions that are creative, intelligent and well considered.

“We focus on achieving the highest levels of design”

We strive to achieve the highest levels of design through researching, questioning and internally reviewing each design to ensure we reach the best possible outcome.

Our work is characterised by strong conceptual clarity and design efficiency resulting in innovative and enduring sustainable outcomes.

DGSE is widely recognised for its award winning architecture which has achieved national and international recognition.