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Project: The Living Pā Entrant LT McGuinness Wellington Project Partners 335 (Engineer), Dunning Thornton (Structural Engineer), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), Tennant Brown (Architect/Designer), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager) Owned By Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington The Living Pa is one of New Zealand’s most ambitious sustainable buildings, designed to meet the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge. As the centrepiece of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s marae redevelopment, it seamlessly integrates matauranga Maori with leading-edge sustainability, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon construction. The 3,000-square-metre mass timber facility supports the function of the wharenui, with Level 1 dedicated to events, Level 2 housing teaching spaces and the Ngai Tauira Maori Students’ Association, and Level 3 providing offices for the Maori and sustainability faculties. For LT McGuinness, the Living Pa was their first mass timber project and required a rapid learning curve. The building generates 105% of its energy needs, treats all black and grey water on site, and uses a vacuum toilet system to save over 300,000 litres of potable water annually. A strong focus on waste minimisation led to 94% of construction waste being diverted from landfill and the project contributed to LT McGuinness becoming a Toitu-certified net carbon-zero building contractor.
Project: Mt Albert Grammar School Entrant Southbase Construction Project Partners ASC Architects (Architect/Designer), GHD (Engineer), Southbase (Construction Company) Owned By Ministry of Education This 3,000 square metre, three-level building was constructed within a live school environment, requiring precise planning to minimise disruption to over 3,500 students and staff. The building features an insulated warm roof, an open-plan library, and a unique Whare Wananga wrapped in New Zealand’s first Insol rain screen. Extensive coordination and innovative solutions ensured the project was delivered successfully, enhancing the school’s learning environment. Ground conditions presented challenges, with unknown utilities clashing with civil works and foundation designs. A thorough underground investigation informed a 3D model to prevent delays. Cyclone Gabrielle further complicated piling activities, requiring revised methodologies such as hydro excavation and tremie pours.
Project: St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College Entrant Savory Construction Project Partners Jasmax (Architect/Designer), Rubix (Engineer/Project Manager) Owned By Catholic Diocese of Auckland The first stage of St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College in Drury features multi-zoned, multi-level buildings, including a three-level teaching block, hall, chapel, and music facility. The collaborative approach, with active client involvement and transparent communication, was instrumental in the project’s success. Despite facing challenges such as Cyclone Gabrielle and limited power and water supply, the project was completed three months ahead of schedule, ensuring the college opened on time for the 2024 academic year. Delivered with efficiency and foresight, this first stage establishes a strong foundation for the school’s continued growth.
Project: MANUKURA Campus Development Entrant Maycroft Construction Project Partners Designgroup Stapleton Elliott (Architect/Designer), Egis (Civil Engineer), Ensor Consulting (Electrical Engineer), LandTech Consulting (Civil Engineer), Maycroft Constuction (Construction Company), Silvester Clark (Structural Engineer), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager) Owned By MANUKURA School Ministry of Education MANUKURA’s new campus at Massey University’s Manawatu site revitalised a previously underutilised area into a dynamic centre for learning, sport, and culture. Purpose-built to foster academic and athletic excellence within a Maori context, the state-of-the-art facility supports students from Year 9 to 13 while also serving the wider community. Spanning 4,391-square-metres, the campus includes classrooms, a performance stage, a commercial kitchen, and a gymnasium housing two international-sized netball/basketball courts with specialist timber flooring. Outdoor amenities feature three courts and two rugby fields, constructed through on-site cut-and-fill techniques that reduced waste and minimised traffic disruption. Sustainability was integral to the design, with stormwater retention tanks, rain gardens, and a warm-roof system improving both environmental performance and user comfort. Cultural identity is embedded throughout, with timber portal frames inspired by marae maihi offering a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
Project: University of Auckland Human Sciences Building (B201) Entrant Hawkins Project Partners Beca (Structural Engineer), Beca Limited (Structural Engineer), Hawkins (Construction Company), Jasmax (Architect/Designer), Precon (Project Manager) Owned By Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Funded by the Government’s IRG programme, the University of Auckland Human Sciences Building (B201) redevelopment extended the life of a 50-year-old structure by another 50 years, transforming it into a world- class, low-carbon academic facility with a 6 Green Star rating. The 26,500-square-metre adaptive reuse project involved the refurbishment of the North and Eastern wings of the former Human Sciences building, including a full seismic retrofit, façade replacement, services upgrade, and the addition of a new timber atrium. A standout feature of the redevelopment, the atrium includes a six-metre-high custom-designed digital artwork, café, event space, and vibrant social hub for students and staff. Sustainability is embedded throughout, with an all-electric HVAC system, solar power, and rainwater harvesting, reducing energy use by 67% and water consumption by 75%.
Project: Golden Bay High School Rebuild Entrant Naylor Love Canterbury Project Partners Noble PM (Project Manager), WSP New Zealand (Architect/Designer) Owned By Ministry of Education Spanning 1,500 square metres, the Golden Bay High School rebuild delivers state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the community’s rich heritage. The project features new classrooms, a library, and administration spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient materials, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and low-emission HVAC systems. Cultural narratives are woven throughout the design, with kowhaiwhai patterns by local artist Robin Slow celebrating the history of Mohua and strengthening the school’s connection to its community. This rebuild stands as a model of sustainability, cultural respect, and collaboration, creating a vibrant environment for learning and growth in Golden Bay.
Project: B19 Ministry of Education Reference Design Entrant ASC Architects Project Partners ASC Architects (Architect/Designer), GHD (Engineer), Leighs Construction Ltd (Construction Company), Ministry of Education (Client Representative), Savills (Project Manager), White Associates (Quantity Surveyor) ASC Architects developed the B19 Ministry of Education Reference Design, a modular, repeatable design for two- storey, six-classroom buildings, implemented across four Ministry of Education primary school sites. Designed to accommodate roll growth, these buildings provide flexible, future-proofed learning spaces while seamlessly integrating into each school’s unique culture and context. With its adaptable framework, the design has the potential to be implemented across additional sites, offering a scalable solution to evolving educational needs. Guided by environmentally sustainable design principles, the project utilised daylight and energy modelling to optimise building orientation, achieving the equivalent of a 4-star Green Star rating. This innovative approach merges modular efficiency with bespoke solutions, delivering future-ready, culturally responsive learning spaces for New Zealand schools.
Project: Auckland University of Technology - A1 Building Entrant Naylor Love Auckland Project Partners Beca Limited (Structural Engineer), Jasmax (Architect/Designer), Naylor Love Auckland (Construction Company), RDT Pacific (Project Manager) Owned By Auckland University of Technology Effectively two projects in one, the AUT A1 Tukutuku building involved refurbishing a four-level structure and integrating it with a new five-level engineered timber building. Spanning 9,500-square-metres, this state-of-the- art facility houses the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences on AUT’s North Shore campus and achieved approximately half the embodied carbon of comparable developments. As the largest post-tensioned engineered timber structure in Australasia, the project faced significant challenges, particularly in protecting the timber from damage during adverse weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Featuring teaching spaces, communal areas, and a striking four-storey timber atrium, this project meets 2030 net-zero carbon targets, setting a benchmark for sustainable facilities in Australasia.
Project: Ormiston Primary School - Stage 3 Entrant ASC Architects Project Partners ASC Architects (Architect/Designer), C3 Construction (Construction Company), GHD (Engineer), Ministry of Education (Client Representative), RDT Pacific (Project Manager), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor) The completion of Ormiston Primary Stage 3 marks the final chapter of this significant project that ASC Architects have supported since the school’s master planning began in 2013. Responding to rapid roll growth, the 2,100-square-metre, two-storey expansion delivers 16 new teaching spaces, two learning support rooms, and vital infrastructure upgrades. Delivered within a tight timeframe, the project overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and construction within a live school environment. The new block integrates seamlessly with the existing campus and reflects the school’s flexible learning philosophy. Guided by the sustainability principles of the original 5-Star Green Star design, the expansion upholds high environmental standards while strengthening the school’s capacity to support its growing community.
Project: University of Canterbury - Kōawa Creative Technologies Precinct: Wairakei Building Entrant Dominion Constructors Project Partners Dominion Constructors (Construction Company), Holmes Construction (Engineer), Holmes NZ LP (Engineer), Marshall Day Acoustics (Engineer), Powell Fenwick Consultants (Electrical Engineer/Engineer), Rubix (Project Manager), Warren & Mahoney (Architect/Designer) Owned By University of Canterbury The University of Canterbury - Koawa Creative Technologies Precinct: Wairakei Building has been expertly retrofitted into a world-class creative technologies hub, breathing new life into a 50-year-old structure as part of the Koawa Creative Technologies Precinct. Dedicated to cinematic arts, screenwriting, screen sound, game development, animation, and indigenous narrative disciplines, the facility delivers premium industry-aligned learning environments. Key spaces include six edit suites, three recording studios, three control rooms, and sound lobbies, each constructed with a box-in-box acoustic design, floating floors, and advanced soundproofing. Mock-up booths were tested prior to installation to ensure optimal performance. The comprehensive retrofit also included a full interior fit-out, structural upgrades, new mechanical and electrical systems, a new concrete floor slab, and roof replacement, ensuring the building is both high-performing and meets the university’s needs.
Project: Te Hīnātore – Lytton High School Hall Entrant DStevens Project Partners Architects 44 (Architect/Designer), BSK Consulting Engineers (Structural Engineer), DStevens (Construction Company), Simon Lardelli (Architect/Designer) Owned By Lytton High School Transforming Te Hinatore at Lytton High School, DStevens delivered a modern, seismically strengthened, and culturally enriched space for assemblies, performances, and community events. Balancing budget constraints, asbestos remediation, and complex seismic upgrades, the project required innovative engineering solutions and careful planning to ensure minimal disruption to school operations. The hall’s cultural significance was celebrated through local Maori artwork integrated into the design, reflecting the school’s identity. Sustainability was a priority, with enhanced insulation, energy-efficient heating, and upgraded thermal performance replacing outdated gas systems. Te Hinatore now stands as a safe, functional, and culturally resonant hall, serving the school and the wider community for generations to come.
Project: Punawai Entrant Kristin School Charitable Trust Project Partners Kwanto Limited (Project Manager), Markplan Consulting Ltd (Structural Engineer), N Cole Construction (Construction Company), Smith Architects (Architect/Designer) Owned By Kristin School Charitable Trust Punawai is a music facility designed to spark creativity and connection through its curved form and harmony with the natural environment. Nestled among trees, the timber-clad structure features a green roof and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the studios with natural light. A dramatic circular skylight adds to the building’s ambience, while a central atrium provides a collaborative space for student interaction. The building’s distinctive curving form required advanced structural solutions, including a tapering soffit and precise steel connections. A detailed 3D model was critical in ensuring the steel framework fit seamlessly, streamlining construction. The result is a thoughtfully designed space that inspires learning and creativity.
Project: Papanui High School Redevelopment Entrant Hawkins Project Partners Aurecon (Engineer), Baldasso Cortese Noordanus (Architect/Designer), Beca (Engineer), Hawkins (Construction Company), Papanui High School (Client Representative) Owned By Ministry of Education The Papanui High School redevelopment delivered two purpose-built learning hubs, replacing outdated, leaking, and unfit buildings. The 3,000-square-metre West Hub (Tuke) includes 21 teaching spaces and science labs, while the 2,000-square-metre East Hub (Parua) features computer labs and a high dependency learning unit. Supporting infrastructure upgrades, such as a new electrical substation and 500kVA transformer, have significantly improved power security across the campus. Operating within a live school environment, Hawkins implemented pedestrian walkways and scheduled disruptive work during holidays. Solar panels were also installed and supply a third of the school’s energy. Strong collaboration between the school, consultants, and contractors ensured minimal disruption, delivering a contemporary campus supporting students and staff.
Project: Ashburton College Redevelopment Entrant Hawkins Project Partners Ashburton College (Client Representative), BCN Architects (Architect/Designer), Hawkins (Construction Company), Verve Projects (Engineer) Owned By Ministry of Education The Ashburton College redevelopment by Hawkins transformed the school’s campus into a state-of-the-art learning environment. The project included a 4,300-square-metres teaching block with 25 classrooms, specialist spaces for science, drama, and Te Whare Manaaki, and the refurbishment of an 1896 heritage building for the music department. Upgrades extended to a new energy centre, pipe reticulation, gymnasium changing rooms, and extensive landscaping. The project faced significant challenges operating in a live school environment, including the complex installation of a 250 metre-long services trench. Hawkins ensured safety and minimal disruption through regular planning meetings, safety walks, and initiatives like Downer’s Share the Road programme. Hawkins also introduced Year 12 and 13 students to construction careers through work placements and site walks, providing firsthand exposure to various industry roles and consultant groups.
Project: Laidlaw College Entrant Built NZ Project Partners Agile Engineering (Engineer), Chow:Hill Architects (Architect/Designer), EQSTRUC (Structural Engineer), Rider Levett Bucknall (), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager) Owned By Laidlaw College Foundation The Laidlaw College refurbishment in Henderson, Auckland, transformed a six-storey commercial building into a modern tertiary education facility. The project included seismic upgrades to achieve a 100% New Building Standard rating, utilising fibre reinforced polymer and steel bracing for structural reinforcement. It also included extensive passive fire treatments to ceilings, walls, and fire doors. The team tackled unforeseen seismic upgrades and latent conditions through proactive problem-solving and strong stakeholder collaboration. The 5,000-square-metre fit out incorporated custom joinery battens, showcasing designs tied to Laidlaw’s identity and modern feature ceilings. The project highlights resilience and quality creating a functional and enduring educational space.
Project: Parakai School Entrant Accent Construction Project Partners Accent Construction Interiors (Construction Company), Pacific Environments NZ Ltd (Architect/Designer) Owned By Ministry of Education This project transformed Parakai School’s learning environment while overcoming significant geotechnical challenges, including peat-heavy ground, a low water table, and seismic risks. To stabilise the foundation, over 190 six-metre timber piles were installed, with blockwork detailing incorporated to allow for future re-levelling if required. Accent’s innovative staging approach reduced the construction programme by 11 months, ensuring minimal disruption to the live school environment. The final design includes a bright, multipurpose hall, integrated outdoor learning areas, and a classroom block that maximises natural light and ventilation, creating an exceptional space for students and staff.