Wilson School Finalist in NZ Engineering Awards

16 November 2009

The Wilson Special Needs School in Takapuna is a finalist in the 2009 New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards, Building and Construction category.

The School is a special needs educational facility that provides care for children with physical and mental disabilities. The innovative school building was recognised earlier this year, winning the inaugural New Zealand Architecture Medal.

In 2001, the Ministry of Education engaged Opus to develop the design for a new school on the existing site. Until then, the staff for had been operating out of inadequate prefab premises.

Opus’ multi-disciplinary team adopted a collaborative approach to address the significant functional requirements for the building. The development of the purpose-built facility was a first for New Zealand and demanded a sensitive approach to address a multitude of special requirements.

The design incorporates novel classroom features, utilises natural ventilation and light - with special lighting chosen for environmental sustainability, and uses predominately timber for the cladding of the integrated box like structure. The fire safety addressed the needs of the disabled, non-ambulant children and was integrated in to the design. It was very cost-effective without compromising on quality and has resulted in a great deal of positive feedback from the school community.

“This is a great opportunity for the engineers to put their hands up and tell us about the great work they have done over the past few years”, says Andrew Cleland, Chief Executive at the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ).

The 2009 New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards will be held in Wellington on Wednesday 23 November.

http://www.nzeeawards.org.nz
http://www.opus.co.nz

ENDS

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