McKinnon, Bidwill Quad, H G Carver Memorial Library
McKinnon - Administration Building (left), H G Carver Memorial Library (right)
Proud of our past and yet progressive towards our future, Whanganui Collegiate School is excited to formally open the McKinnon, the H G Carver Memorial Library and the Bidwill Quad. Now at completion after three years of extensive planning and construction, the buildings meet a Condition of Integration and shape the identity of Whanganui Collegiate School’s 21st century learning environments for years to come.
With a student focused design, the McKinnon building acts as a primary entrance for all visitors. Constructed of age-old materials used in a contemporary manner, the physical structure of the building complements the historic buildings on our grounds and is a gateway for celebrating the historical achievements of our School, with photos displayed throughout the interior.
The H G Carver Memorial Library is a hub for students, staff and visitors to meet, learn and share. Preserving the look of what was the original Dining Hall, the building has been seismically-strengthened yet retains the brick panels, timber window sashes and frames and the original beams and boards of the rimu ceiling from 1911. Itself a key learning space, the mezzanine floor is used daily for senior study periods, with specially-designed furniture appreciated by our St George’s students who also occupy the space.
Preservation of historical elements was vital in the architectural planning for the buildings, but our consciousness towards environmental and financial sustainability was at the forefront for our future. The designs include a passive solar design and natural ventilation to stabilise the interior thermal environment, low energy lighting throughout the buildings with certain rooms linked to timers or motion sensors conserve energy when not in use. Initiatives such as these lead to a reduction in both running costs and the environmental footprint.
For more detailed information on the preservation, design, and sustainable elements included in the planning for these buildings, please refer to the design statements:
It is an incredibly exciting time for our students and staff. Completion of these buildings has been highly anticipated, and the final product is met with excitement and appeal.
