By blending high-performance building services with a design that honors the whakapapa of Te Whakatōhea, the Ōpōtiki College redevelopment sets a new standard for culturally resonant educational infrastructure.

Description

The Ōpōtiki College redevelopment represents a thoughtful integration of architecture, culture, and engineering. Our building services engineering design supports the architectural vision by delivering systems that are efficient, adaptable, and aligned with the values of the kura, mana whenua, and the wider Te Whakatōhea community.

The campus is organised around four distinct outdoor learning catchments, connected through carefully designed buffer zones that promote movement, connection, and flexibility. Engineering systems were designed to enhance these learning environments while remaining responsive to the site’s natural context. HVAC, lighting, and electrical solutions prioritise energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance.

A Detailed Quantitative Lifecycle Simulation (DQLS) natural ventilation assessment was undertaken to validate the use of passive ventilation strategies across learning spaces. This analysis informed key design decisions around airflow, façade openings, and thermal comfort. The resulting solution supports healthy indoor environments with reduced reliance on mechanical systems.

Collectively, the engineering design enables a future-focused educational facility that balances cultural expression, environmental responsibility, and functional excellence.

Services Offered

  • Mechanical design
  • Electrical design
  • Communications & security design
  • Hydraulics design
  • Fire protection design
  • Fire engineering design
  • DQLS natural ventilation assessment
  • BIM