Smith Architects Ltd

Three Trees Learning Centre

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen

THREE TREES LEARNING CENTRE

Collingridge And Smith Architects

ARCHITECTS
Collingridge And Smith Architects

CLIENTS
Cpmc

BUILDING CONTRACTOR
Bindon Construction

PLAYGROUND
Natural Habitats

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Phil Smith

MANUFACTURERS
Kingspan Insulated Panels, Apl Nz, Hermpac, Project Floors, Boundaryline

DESIGN TEAM
Yolande Kromhout

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mark Scowen

AREA
1152 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Christchurch, New Zealand

CATEGORY
Kindergarten

Text description provided by architect.

Surrounded by wild gardens and native bush, the Three Trees Learning Centre in Rolleston, Christchurch utilises sustainable design to provide children with an environment that fosters learning and growth through a natural discovery approach.

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen
Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen

A core part of the client’s pedagogy is that the building acts as the child’s third teacher, or an environmental steward. The centre has been designed to reflect this pedagogy, creating a seamless transition between the child’s built environment and the outdoors.

Licensed for 130 children and with a total built area of 634 sqm, the centre incorporates natural materials, unique shapes and interactive play apparatus to intrigue, motivate and excite young minds.

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen
Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen

Situated next to a reserve, the canopy of mature trees that surround the building are translated architecturally through the sculptural modulation of the roof canopy.

The varied geometry, all clad in cedar, reflects the dappled light from the trees, creating a soft and warm transitional space between classrooms and the outdoors.

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen
Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen

The purpose-built centre features six spacious classrooms arranged into pairs to create three main learning hubs, reflecting the Three Trees pedagogy.

The three hubs share services and art spaces, encouraging interaction between groups of children. The leafy landscape forms a vibrant backdrop against the interior colour palette of soft blues, white and natural materials - a relaxing colour scheme perfect for rest and quiet times. 

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen
Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen

Classrooms feature custom-made furniture so that each space is unique and carefully considered for the children who will be using it. The building has been designed so that the natural ventilation is 3x better than NZ Building Code standards.

This natural airflow is enhanced through stack effect, where high level rooflights at the rear of the building allow daylight to enter and provide air extract. Much of the façade is extensively glazed, providing passive solar gain. Overheating in the summer is prevented by natural ventilation and shade from the roof canopy.

Three Trees Learning Centre
© Mark Scowen
Three Trees Learning Centre
Floor plan

Natural daylight fills classrooms to a level that is three times over the minimum for code - artificial lighting isn’t needed during daylight hours. Materials are responsibly sourced and feature eco-label certification or low or zero VOC/formaldehyde.

To help reinstate the native bush, part of the playground has been left untouched, creating a wild, natural environment for children to explore- a perfect place for children to make bug hotels and learn about the diversity of New Zealand plant and wildlife.

Three Trees Learning Centre
Elevations
Three Trees Learning Centre
Sections

Because the site featured so many large mature trees, the building was carefully placed to retain all but a few poorer specimens. Those that were removed have been repurposed as bark chip and stepping logs, so nothing was wasted. Any stormwater on the site goes to soakage in the playground for watering the planting – zero rainwater goes offsite.

Smith Architects Ltd
T +64 9 5222552
Smith Architects Ltd
15 Hargreaves Street, St Marys Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand