The Rolleston College Expansion 2 project involved a substantial two-part development with three stages of building consents.

This project followed a design-build process. When we received it, the project had just completed the preliminary stage, and the consultants who handled the initial design were novated onto our team. With no lead architect assigned, the design manager took charge of design coordination, leading weekly meetings with the design team and arranging ad-hoc meetings as urgent issues arose. A structured design program was set in place, guided by client-imposed deadlines that required strict adherence. The design was guided by various design output documents and room data sheets, established by the Crown and Programmed Facilities Maintenance. The quality of the design was maintained through the Reviewable Design Material (RDM) process, in which the Crown reviewed design stages and provided feedback within set response timeframes.

Central to the project was the construction of a new two-level teaching block spanning approximately 3,200 m². This building was constructed on a rib raft foundation and framed with structural steel, featuring claddings from James Hardie® EasyLap™, Dimond Profiled, and Fundermax Facade Claddings. A combination of RoofLogic Ultratherm MSR and Conqueror Insulated Roof Systems was used for roofing, while powder-coated and double-glazed aluminium joinery provided enhanced insulation. The new teaching block is seamlessly connected to the existing campus via a suspended link bridge and two external precast staircases. Other expansions included converting 260 m² of the existing staff and student services area into a senior learning space and extending the gymnasium by 250 m² with new claddings, a slab-on-grade foundation, and the Conqueror PIR Insulated Roofing Panel.

The ground floor of the new teaching block was thoughtfully designed to include various functional spaces such as photo suites, art rooms, student administration offices, meeting rooms, and a student services office. It also incorporates makerspaces for engineering and fabrics, along with restrooms serving both the building and nearby sports field areas. On the first floor, the layout features three large regular learning spaces, 12 additional learning spaces, teacher workspaces, storage, and additional toilets. Accessibility is prioritized through a lift connecting both floors, while a suspended link bridge facilitates integration with the existing structure, supporting seamless movement throughout the expanded campus. Between the old and new blocks, an undercroft outdoor area with secured gates was created to serve as additional flexible learning space, allowing for safe gatherings and an enhanced indoor-outdoor flow for students and staff.

Complementary developments included a 165 m² garage and a 24 m² caretaker’s shed, supporting campus infrastructure needs. The project also saw improvements to the existing teaching block, such as a new hard-tech circulation enclosure and a storeroom, which bolster its functionality and connection to new facilities. Extensive civil works and landscaping were undertaken, establishing access between the adjacent covered sports court and modular buildings. Once the modular buildings are removed, the landscaped area will provide half basketball courts, shaded areas, and a smooth indoor-outdoor transition, further enhancing the school environment and enriching the overall campus layout