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• Tour W2 - Avondale College

Contact Details

Tour Departs at 1.30pm

Avondale College

51 Victor Street, Avondale

Venue Overview

With 2650 students, Avondale College is one of New Zealand's largest secondary schools and can also boast undergoing the single biggest rebuilding program for a school in New Zealand.

Avondale College was originally built in the 1940's as a military hospital base, and declared Avondale Technical High School in 1945. Over time many of its buildings became run down and needed maintenance or to be replaced, so Jasmax were commissioned to do the master-plan for the College. The entire project encompasses refurbishments of historic buildings and an extensive new build in several phases.

The first stage of the rebuild included the new maths and physics block, which gives the school's students a modern learning environment. This project successfully weaves together renovated historic buildings with contemporary architecture, linking them by way of a canopy feature that incorporates imagery and patterns that reflect the local area.

The facility contains the latest technology with data projectors and computers in each room. Sustainability is a also key feature of the building with double glazing, rainwater tanks, recycled carpet and an ecologically sound design that gives good natural ventilation. The rooms are fitted with sensors to turn lights on and off and also put out varying levels of light, depending on the natural light levels in the room - both power - saving measures. The entire project was designed to reduce energy use, and the school's energy bill has already dropped by 30 per cent.

Stage two, due to be completed in 2013, includes a new dance studio with an outdoor stage beyond its main doors, opening up a world of opportunities for performing arts students, and the upgrade of the school's outdoor sport facilities including tennis and netball courts.