Our brief was to create a unique and innovative early learning centre capturing the cultural and spiritual values of the area. Our starting point was the site itself which presented both the problem and the solution: the trees.

This makes the site uneconomic for most commercial uses but actually presents a unique and beautiful opportunity for an early learning centre.

For most developers the trees would have been a big problem, but for early childhood they provide a beautiful and symbolic solution. One is an English Oak tree, the other a native Pohutukawa, both of equal size and stature, standing side by side, their branches touching at the heart of the site. This symbolism forms the basis for the whakapapa of the site and its new use: a bi-cultural (and multicultural) early learning centre.

In the traditional Maori view, the trees also represent Tane who separated Rangi and Papa to create the world (of light). The design draws on this by creating a ‘void’ or space around the trees, which separates out the various elements of the new centre and provides a protective enclosure around the root zone.

The building represents Papa (earth mother) who was locked in a tight embrace with Rangi (sky father), and so the graceful curve of the building appears like two arms reaching out to the sky. The elevational form further enhances this effect by keeping a respectful height below the trees, allowing good views of them from the wider environment.

Further symbolism can be found throughout the design, the most striking being the sail forms around the outer curve of the building. These are based on traditional Maori sail forms but honour all the cultures of New Zealand, all of whom originally made the journey by sailing boats.

The layered effect of the overlapping sails also recalls traditional carving patterns whilst the curve of the building represents the Koru or unfurled fern frond. They also give a dynamic form to the building when viewed from the road, a constantly changing experience as the viewer moves around the building.

Facts + Figures

Client: Chrysalis Group
Location: Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand

Construction cost: NZD 2.2 million
Area: 800m²
Programme: Completed 2015

Project Team: Phil Smith, Graham Collingridge

Construction: Keola Ltd
Landscaper: Playscape
Interiors: Guyco Joinery

Image Credit: ArchiPro