Marshland School was the first of the Government’s $1.1 billion ‘10 years post Canterbury earthquake’ school rebuilds to be completed.

Inaugurated in 1878 and originally known as Rhodes Swamp School, its site suffered extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake and, as such, qualified for full replacement.

S&T worked closely with the staff on the design of their new school. The school is generally located within one building, initially catering to 400 students, but twice extended by S&T to cater for their Ferndale children, along with another 200 students.

The new Marshland School sits next to a new residential development.

In terms of spatial organisation, the library and café establish a focal point in the school where parents can engage with staff without disrupting the children’s learning.

The prerequisite that the school fit within the one building has allowed for more open flexible spaces with the overall design of the school facing outwards - establishing a strong connection to the outdoors and encouraging the kids’ passion for sport.

Learning hubs located either side of the central admin area were planned using ‘kitset’ learning settings developed in collaboration with Hayball Architects. These spaces are visually and physically connected to respond to the school’s ‘Blended Learning’ practice. Each of the hubs are defined by a central gathering space, where the whole cohort can meet before breaking off into smaller groups and taking advantage of a range of smaller, targeted activity spaces.

The design incorporates Greenstar environmental design principles, using passive ventilation and natural daylight to save on operating costs and environmental impact. Innovative construction and cladding systems were explored under the contract too.