Client: Archdiocese of Wellington
Project Type: Educational
Project Timeframe: 2016-2017
Architects: Studio Pacific Architecture
A new school for Catholic children in the Kapiti area was constructed over 12 months in time for the start of the 2017 teaching year. Its five purpose-built new buildings include three dedicated teaching blocks, an administration and library block, and a large school hall that is shared with Our Lady of Kapiti Parish.
Two large stained-glass windows were salvaged from St Patricks School in Paraparaumu, where the school was previously based, and installed in the new hall. The larger window faces north and through the richly restored colours of the stained glass, natural light floods into the building.
The new playground has proved a huge hit with the children. The landscaping and site works had been the most challenging aspect of the project, with most of it unable to begin until the buildings and their exteriors had been completed. The works were staged with the external scaffolding dismantled as soon as possible so the landscaping could occur in unison with any remaining building works. This also relieved the pressure as the project neared completion.
Materials ranging from exposed aggregate concrete and asphalt to astro turf and grass were used in the landscaping. Extensive planting and intricate line marking for hop scotches, snakes and other games took place, and mulched gardens were installed.
