Auckland school wins architecture medal

Wilson School.

The Wilson School in Takapuna has been named the inaugural winner of the NZ Architecture Medal, the country’s highest architecture accolade for a building.

The NZ Architecture Medal is presented by the NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA), and only one medal is awarded each year.

Designed by Opus Architecture, the school supports children with a wide range of special needs, and was hailed by judges as “uplifting”.

The school is part of the Wilson Home Trust complex, which leases the site to the MoE. The Wilson Chapel, by architects Haughey & Fox and Partners, is also on the grounds and was named the winner of the national Enduring Architecture Award for a building whose design has stood the test of time.

Gerald Parsonson, of Parsonson Architects, convenor of the awards jury, said: “It is an incredibly thoughtful building that is very uplifting for the staff and children. It is set in park-like grounds and relates to its environment beautifully, bringing light into the building and allowing views to the outside.

“It uses a soft palette of materials that gives it a calm almost Scandinavian feel. There is a great sense of comfort and professionalism and it is a building where you feel very safe and at ease.

“The school has around 60 pupils and has been designed to ensure access for those with physical disabilities. It is spacious with wide corridors and has special storage areas for pupils’ equipment.

“It is NZ’s first purpose built special needs building and the architects have demonstrated an unwavering focus on the well being of the pupils and the staff.

“A wonderful spirit of collaboration between client and architect has produced an extraordinary building where the children get a great deal of benefit from being in such a nurturing environment.”

The Wilson school looks out on the chapel, which received the Enduring Architecture Award.

“It is a humble and simple building. There is a really interesting juxtaposition of geometric forms that create a real variance of experience as you walk around and through the building,” said Mr Parsonson.

Built in 1965 in the wooded grounds of the Wilson Home for children with disabilities, it remains a popular venue for weddings.

The Wilson School at Takapuna by Opus Architecture was previously among winners in Public Architecture in the NZ Architecture Awards and was also a winner in the Regional Awards for Auckland.