2018 NZ Awards

The winners of the first Learning Environments New Zealand Awards for outstanding learning environments were announced at the closure of the Learning Spaces Aotearoa one day conference at Hobsonville Point Secondary School on Friday 2nd November.

The New Zealand Chapter is excited to have initiated a platform for the recognition of excellence in learning environment, with the core mission of the awards being to bridge the awareness between architects and schools and indeed all communities of learning. The NZ Awards seek to promote the interplay of teaching and learning methodology and space, and to showcase examples of quality best practice educational design.

Sponsored by Furnware and Hydestor Sheving, the presentation of the 2018 Awards closed our very successful inaugural edition of Learning Spaces Aotearoa. We were fortunate to have one of our international judges, Craig Deed from La Trobe University, on stage to present the winners which showcased many great examples of recently completed new and renovated facilities from primary, secondary, university and landscapes for learning.

We would like to thank all of those who submitted entries in this exciting inaugural year. The calibre of submissions was exceptionally high. We would especially like to congratulate the winners and commendations, listed below.

You can explore all the entries in our online gallery

Overall Winner
Cathedral Grammar Junior School
Andrew Barrie Lab & Tezuka Architects

Category 1: New Construction / Entire New Education Facility
Winner
Wakatipu High School
ASC Architects

Commendation
The Garden School, Manurewa
MOAA Architects

Category 2: New Construction / New Individual Facility over $8m

Winner
King’s School Centennial Building
Warren and Mahoney Architects

Commendations
Victoria University of Wellington Te Toki a Rata
Warren and Mahoney Architects in association with Jacksons Architecture

Freemans Bay School Redevelopment
RTA Studio

Category 3: New Construction / New Individual Facility under $8m
Winner
Cathedral Grammar Junior School
Andrew Barrie Lab & Tezuka Architects

Commendation
Queen Margaret College Preschool
McKenzie Higham Architect

Category 7: Landscaping / Outdoor Learning
Winner
St Andrew’s College – Stewart Junior Centre
JASMAX

Category 8: Renovation / Modernisation Under $500,000
Winner
Douglas Park School Learning Hubs Project
Robertson Architecture Design

We are most grateful to all the entrants for their comprehensive and competitive submissions.

We look forward to the next edition of LENZ Awards in 2020 to continute reflecting the increasing commitment to quality innovative learning environments across the country as the use and understanding of this important design and pedological development matures, and research continues into delivering important learning outcomes for all learners in all spheres and levels of teaching and education.

Our grateful thanks also to our Sponsors:

Article: Pip Newman

Photo Credits:

Cathedral Grammar Junior School  - Patrick Reynolds

The Garden School, Manurewa - David St George

King’s School Centennial Building - Patrick Reynolds

Victoria University of Wellington Te Toki a Rata - Paul McCredie

Freemans Bay School Redevelopment - Simon Devitt Photographer

Queen Margaret College Preschool - Paul McCredie

St Andrew’s College – Stewart Junior Centre - David Baird Photography

 Douglas Park School Learning Hubs Project - Murray Robertson