Browns Bay School's future-focused learning environment
At a glance
With student enrolment expected to reach 800 by 2043, the Ministry of Education recognised the need for Browns Bay School to expand. We were engaged to support with a development that not only addressed the growing demands of the student population but also harmonised with the school’s existing topography and surroundings.
The challenge
Rapid roll growth had placed pressure on the school’s existing facilities, creating a need for additional teaching spaces and improved infrastructure. The challenge was to meet these demands without compromising the school’s valuable green spaces or disrupting the functioning of the school.
Our response
After evaluating several potential sites for development, the southern portion of the campus, adjacent to the main road, was selected as the ideal location. This area allowed us to utilise the site’s natural slopes, integrating the new design with the landscape. The chosen location also resolved a longstanding parking shortage by incorporating additional rows of parking spaces beneath the building.
The new structure was carefully positioned to enhance the campus layout, creating a fresh and functional frontage near the administration building. This placement not only improved the school’s overall flow but also gave the grounds a welcoming, updated appearance.
The design respected the existing buildings’ aesthetic, characterised by painted white weatherboard with accents of the school’s signature red and blue. While maintaining this design language, modern materials such as clear glazing, aluminium panels and timber sun blades were introduced to bring a contemporary vibrancy to the school’s appearance.
Inside, the design prioritised bright, open and flexible spaces to support diverse teaching and learning methods.
A carefully chosen colour palette fosters creativity, while large windows bring in abundant natural light, creating an inviting and inspiring environment. The two-storey block features a mix of classrooms and breakout spaces designed to accommodate a variety of activities, from collaborative group work to individual learning.
The impact
The result is a space that not only supports the school’s future growth but also blends into its existing environment and identity. Students benefit from a flexible, open-plan learning environment that adapts to a wide range of teaching and learning styles, creating an enriching space that reflects the school’s commitment to education and innovation.
The evolving landscape of learning environments in Aotearoa New Zealand