By BCN Architects
Baldasso Cortese Noordanus was engaged by the Ministry of Education to masterplan Halswell Residential College a special needs school. Halswell Residential College is a unique and one of a kind facility in the whole of New Zealand catering for 32 years 6-10 students that board at the college for 12 months.
The Existing residential villas were outdated and did not meet the needs of the College. The masterplan brief called for the creation of “homelike” residential environment. Our proposal was to create a cluster of 4 villas arranged around a central courtyard with play areas for students to use out of school hours. Each villa accommodates 8 students, enabling the villas to feel less institutional and providing a conducive environment to enhance student behaviour and learning. Simple architectural forms and natural materials have been used to create the “homelike” feel. A Multi-purpose Learning Building, a learning building, meeting place for school and community gathering is the first building one sees upon arrival. The master plan also included remediation works to existing school learning buildings and a rebuild of parent/carers accommodation.
We have undertaken a very inclusive design process involving the school and the Board of Trustees. The Villas and Multi-purpose Learning Building have been constructed and parent/carers accommodation are in the construction phase.
Photo credit: Lightforge Photography
Baldasso Cortese Noordanus is a venture between Noordanus Architects and Baldasso Cortese Architects who joined forces in 2015. Baldasso Cortese Noordanus can deliver significant architectural, interior design and masterplanning projects across New Zealand in a number of core sectors:
/ Education - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary
/ Care - Aged Care, Child Care and Health Care
/ Lifestyle + Community – Retail, Multi-Residential and Mixed Use
Our passionate team work from studios in both New Zealand and Australia on projects large and small. We have a combined portfolio of work and experience in these sectors gained over 30 years of practice.
We work together with our clients to deliver innovative yet practical buildings creating enjoyable environments for the community. Our projects have been recognised by numerous industry awards.
Whether you are a prospective client or a budding employee, we welcome your enquiry and offer the benefits of great hospitality while exploring the possibility of working together.
We are considered by our clients and peers as a great team, striving for exceptional service through a collaborative approach. Our blend of energetic youth and solid experience creates a great environment for learning and innovation. We are proud of our collaborative 'family' culture and how we nurture future generations at Baldasso Cortese Noordanus.