Motueka High School

A bold, site-specific design rooted in the local environment

A proposal to redevelop the mostly 1950s-era buildings of Motueka High School gave Arthouse Architects, in conjunction with Sheppard & Rout Architects, the opportunity to refine mass timber construction within an educational setting. Set on iwi-owned land, the new two-storey teaching block draws on cultural narratives for its design, complemented by Havelock and Awake carpet tiles from Advance Flooring.

‘We wanted to fulfil the school and iwi's desire to make the project feel unique and connected to place,’ says Renee Williamson from Arthouse Architects. ‘The interior details were key to achieving this. We drew upon the legend of Tāwhaki for the cultural narrative and referenced it in our colour and material selections, bringing the teaching spaces to life.’

Natural colours and textures to foster connection

Havelock and Awake carpet tiles in green and grey create a visual link to the surrounding landscape, referencing the local forest floor and cultural history. At the same time they provide durable, comfortable flooring for students and staff.

‘The muted colours and patterns create a calm, natural feel within the space,’ says Renee. ‘The greens complement the exposed mass timber structure throughout, supporting biophilic design principles and reinforcing the connection to nature.

‘When specifying flooring, we look for a broad range of neutrals and subtle, natural tones. Subtle design and graphic elements that align with the brief and cultural narrative are also key.’

A cohesive, supportive teaching environment

Motueka High School fosters a diverse and inclusive community of learning, and this new classroom block from Arthouse Architects and Sheppard & Rout embodies that ethos in its form and finish.

‘The flooring helps bring the whole project together, offering comfort underfoot and an organic patterning that create a soothing environment. Choosing sustainable products and supporting local, New Zealand-owned businesses are also highly valued, and specifying Advance carpet tiles ticks all those boxes.’