Spotlight on Vulcan Timber in New Zealand Schools

Additionally, as many New Zealand educational facilities aim to encourage students to become guardians of the natural world, using sustainably grown timber in classrooms is a smart way for schools to practice what they preach, as well as helping quell anxiety in environmentally aware young people. With its Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification and carbon storage credentials, Abodo Vulcan makes a powerful talking point for students, showing that small-scale choices can make a large-scale difference.

Luckily, the use of timber in schools also makes smart financial sense. Recent construction spending announcements from the New Zealand government include an accelerated $413 million investment in classrooms and other school infrastructure. To deliver these projects to budget, the Ministry of Education has shifted from bespoke builds to standardised designs, which both reduce costs and save time and disruptions on school grounds, as much of the building work is carried out off-site. Being lightweight and cost effective, timber-based structures can easily be created in factories, with the added benefit of contributing to New Zealand’s timber industry.

For school buildings, Abodo Vulcan offers lasting peace of mind. This heat tempered (thermally modified) timber remains stable, straight, and true - resisting movement, cracking, and buckling, so your investment in education spaces is protected for years to come.

Read on for examples of contemporary school designs around Aotearoa (New Zealand) that make excellent use of Abodo timbers. And if you’re thinking about using Abodo for your new school project or renovation, contact us to discuss options or request samples here.

Mangapapa School - Gisborne

This Ministry of Education-backed, major rebuild of a beloved East Coast school encompassed flexible teaching blocks and an inviting administration hub that connects safely and easily to a new court and car park across the road, as well as upgraded, future-focused infrastructure. Designed by DCA Architects of Transformation, the updated school features Vulcan Cladding on the exterior and some interior walls, with Vulcan Screening adding sun shading and texture, as well as Vulcan Decking in outdoor break-out areas such as the covered bleacher seating outside classrooms. The new school also includes connections with a nearby stream, with storytelling about native flora and fauna woven through the design, which ties in well with the use of Abodo’s New Zealand grown plantation timber.

Credits:

• Architect: DCA Architects of Transformation
• Photography: Simon Devitt

Te Huruhi School - Waiheke Island

When Te Huruhi School in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf was redesigned in 2020, the Board was looking to create a series of flexible, sustainable buildings that would allow for open-plan learning, while reflecting the environmental ethos of the community. To achieve this, Ignite Architects used Abodo’s rapidly renewable, Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified Vulcan timber throughout – chosen for its beauty and proven ability to store more carbon than is emitted during its production. To help the existing hall cohabitate with the new timber-clad classrooms, spatial designers SPACEINBTWN embraced adaptive reuse – refreshing the old, yet sturdy building, creating a striking entrance portal and dynamic façade using Vulcan Screening in Protector™ - Straw.

Credits:

• Spatial Designers: SPACEINBTWN - Ruth Findlay and Kirsten Newton
• Photography: Peter Rees Photography and SPACEINBTWN

Christchurch Boys’ High School - Christchurch

For a school with a rich history, it was important that new buildings deliver space for changing educational strategies while also maintaining Christchurch Boys’ High School's heritage listing. To achieve this for a new music facility, commons and study block within the school, Athfields Architects chose Abodo Vulcan Cladding in Protector - Teak for the exterior cladding and Vulcan Screening also in Teak for the interior linings. With a more traditional form belying modern, flexible spaces within, the use of Vulcan timber allows for a timeless look that provides a seamless transition between old and new.

Credits:

• Architect: Athfields Architects
• Photography: Lightforge Photography

Western Springs College - Auckland

With ever-developing technologies and teaching methods, schools must be prepared for change. For Western Springs College in central Auckland, this meant designing interactive learning and meeting spaces which could be reassigned as needed. To keep up with these changes, the school employed Jasmax Brand Design to create movable, flux-ready signage made from Abodo Vulcan timber cladding painted and laser etched with directional information, revealing the beauty of the timber’s natural finish beneath.

Credits:

• Designer: Jasmax
• Photography: Samuel Hartnett

Waimea College - Nelson

Built in 2020, Waimea College’s Timber Technology building aims to showcase the natural beauty of New Zealand timbers, with the timber structure and treatments left unfinished to allow the natural grain and texture to shine. For the deck, which spans the periphery of the first level, Arthouse Architects and Sheppard & Rout wanted to create a lasting timber deck for the school, choosing to use uncoated Abodo Vulcan Decking. Sustainable New Zealand products have been used throughout this project, storing more than 280 tons of carbon, with Vulcan timber storing 7.56kg+ per square metre.

Credits:

• Architect: Arthouse Architects, in conjunction with Sheppard & Rout
• Photography: Kate MacPherson