Auckland Grammar School Specialist Block

Client:
Auckland Grammar School

Location:
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Completion:
2004

Size:
865m²

Project Value:
$2.5m

Contact:
Malcolm Bowes

The original Specialist Block (so named because it contained the ‘special’ classrooms, laboratories, auditoria, etc.) at Auckland Grammar School was built in the 1960s and extended in the 1980s. The new addition involved the construction of a new three level wing accommodating classrooms and associated resource areas.

The new wing forms a courtyard with the 1960s building and borders the school’s main playing field to the south, continuing a sequence of building to the field edge that includes the Technology Building, Gymnasium and Old Boy’s Pavilion, all designed by Architectus.

The steel framed building has full height glazed walls to the northern side facing onto the external circulation walkways and adjacent courtyard. The walkways are wider than normal to allow access past queuing students and to provide much needed covered outdoor space for the school.

The southern face onto the playing field is more enclosed, screening possible distraction with brick panel infill and glazing angled away from the field.