stephenson & turner re-imagine primary school admin building in auckland
all images courtesy of sacha stejko

 

 

 

stephenson & turner architects recently realized the administration building for the ‘whenuapai primary school’ in auckland, new zealand. the school’s design is derived directly from its identity, which is characterized by the four colors: green, yellow, blue, and red. the aim was to formulate a welcoming entrance to the school, which elicits a sense of pride and playfulness.

stephenson & turner architects whenuapai primary school admin building designboom
natural, crisp materials are a reflection of the building’s context

 

 

 

form was created in response to an initial analysis of the plot, its neighboring buildings, and various mandatory regulations and restrictions. the building was relocated from its former position on-site, and the main drop-off road was eliminated. thus, the school is more easily approachable.

stephenson & turner re-imagine primary school admin building in auckland
the aerodynamic roof peaks towards the hills beyond 

 

 

 

the exterior is clad in cedar to make the administrative facility more enticing. crisp steel support lines and colored concrete strips create an rhythm throughout, and changes as light moves during the day. the roof is tilted, which connects the school’s identity to the nearby whenuapai airbase. conceived as an ‘eyebrow’ the tilt draws an outline around the structure, and frames it within view. 

stephenson & turner architects whenuapai primary school admin building designboom
the slender black ‘eyebrow’ emphasises the roof’s tilt and offers a play on light and shade

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elevational view

stephenson & turner architects whenuapai primary school admin building designboom
a corner of the front was peeled away to create a bold and inviting front entrance 

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dynamic angles provide edges of movement 

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dark, contrasting strips in the concrete create a rhythmic pull into the school

stephenson & turner re-imagine primary school admin building in auckland
light-filled meeting room with yellow accents 

stephenson & turner architects whenuapai primary school admin building designboom
directional carpet patterns and lighting emphasizes the slope of the ceiling

stephenson & turner re-imagine primary school admin building in auckland
concept sketch 

stephenson & turner re-imagine primary school admin building in auckland
the building plan was designed as a response to an initial site analysis

 

 

project info: 

 

project: whenuapai primary school administration building
architects: stephenson & turner
photography: sacha stejko

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: nick brink | designboom