Remarkables school a remarkable showcase for Coffey International

Remarkables Primary School is the first new state primary school built in the Queenstown Lakes District of New Zealand for 30 years. It is the fastest growing district in New Zealand, and the school has been built to meet this demand. It is anticipated that the school will provide more than just education – it is expected to become a central hub within their local community.

Having commenced work on the project in July 2008, our role, as client representative, was to work as project managers for the Ministry of Education and work closely with the design and build contractor and consultants.

The site proved to be an interesting challenge, which provided an opportunity for innovative solutions. Built at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, it is an area that experiences severe weather. The location and shape of the buildings were designed to shelter the heart of the school from the prevailing westerly winds off Lake Wakatipu, while also maximising outdoor activity space.

Rigorous acoustic design was also necessary as the school is directly on the approach to Queenstown Airport – large international jets regularly fly about 100m overhead on their takeoff and decent. A concrete roof was designed as part of the solution. Innovatively constructed more like a floor, the roof not only forms a barrier against sound, but is also accessible to students, maximising outdoor space and forming the main entrance of the school.

Some of the unique features of Remarkables Primary School include:

• Specially designed sound-proof roof and ceiling construction
• Triple glazing of windows
• Fully networked for technology
• Special fresh air circulation system to ensure noise is blocked
• Classrooms built in pods around a central space
• Meeting spaces for students called “waterholes”; “campfires” where adults share their wisdom as well as “caves” which are private and secure places

Remarkables Primary School was officially opened to the community in late August. There will be a staged opening for students over the next two years, with the school catering for 460 primary students by 2012. It promises to be one of the most high tech and modern schools in the country.

Media contacts

Prue Bowley, External Communications Manager, Coffey
T +61 8 8418 1566; F +61 8 8224 0453; E: prue_bowley@coffey.com