8 | Aspec Construction: The Holy Cross School T TKaren Phelps Facility a game-changer for school The Block 1 facility provides eight teaching spaces across two levels and incorporates flexible learning areas. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Holy Cross Catholic School in Lavelle Road, Henderson, Auckland, has welcomed pupils into a striking new two-storey building that promises to transform the way teachers and children learn together. “Students are enjoying being in a bright new environment and the views from the balcony are fantastic. There are break-out areas with bleachers, nooks and crannies and they can go there with their laptops,” says Principal Janice Borsos. Designed by Ignite Architects on behalf of the Catholic Archdiocese of Auckland, the building replaces aging infrastructure with Block 2 now in the pipeline. The Block 1 facility provides eight teaching spaces across two levels and incorporates flexible learning areas, project spaces and resource zones. An entirely new facility for the school is a fully equipped kitchen, complete with large tables so children can do artwork, creative projects and cooking. Janice says that it has already been used in a variety of ways including pupils bringing in vegetables and working alongside a teacher to cook soup for Matariki. Two stained-glass windows, one at each end of the building, echo the windows of the school’s parish church. Janice says the colours are reflected throughout the building’s design, tying the school together visually and spiritually. The building also features automated windows that respond to changing weather conditions. “It really regulates the temperature and the learning environment,” says Janice. The new space has fostered closer collaboration amongst staff as well as pupils. “There are more opportunities for teachers to come together and learn from more experienced colleagues, which improves outcomes for the children,” says Janice. “Because teachers have more classroom relief days, the environment is supportive for teachers and children alike. “Because there are other teachers around, they can support the reliever as well to continue the programme, so there is handson support there and it’s a more consistent experience for the children.” Aspec Construction managed the project within the live school environment on a confined site, bordered by existing buildings and property boundaries, requiring careful planning to avoid disrupting daily school operations. Through strong stakeholder engagement and a proactive approach to health and safety, it delivered a high-quality facility within a genuinely challenging operational context. “It was an absolute dream. I’m not exaggerating,” says Janice. “The builders and the communication were so great. They let us know when anything was going on and I was completely kept up to date. PERMCON SOLUTIONS. WATCH OUR VIDEO HERE: Considered permeable on resource and building consents. Deemed functionally equivalent to grass. Ideal for rights-of-way, carparks, footpaths and other hardstand areas. Available with 62% less embodied carbon as Permcon CarbonLow. PERMCON PERMEABLE CONCRETE IS: SOLVE YOUR SITE COVERAGE ISSUES! PROUD SUPPLIER OF ASPEC CONSTRUCTION Permcon permeable concrete in situ at Holy Cross Catholic School in Auckland proud to support Aspec Construction sales@shadesystems.co.nz www.shadesystems.co.nz Strategic design and shade e ectiveness Enhanced shade materials - extreme warranties, UV protective elements High strength and durable fabrics Let us take care of it for you. concrete & paving bydesign Your Design, By Design CALL US TODAY 09 869 4168 EMAIL quote@bydesignconcrete.co.nz VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.bydesignconcrete.co.nz FREE QUOTE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Retaining Walls Paving Concrete Permeable Concrete OUR SERVICES
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