With its recently completed Wilson School, New Zealand firm Opus Architecture demonstrates how a building entirely derived from its occupants' needs can also result in a remarkable aesthetic proposal. The school is unassuming in its shape - a simple yet sculptural building which contrasts with the prefabricated sheds commonly found in New Zealand. ...Collapse

The two-storey, 1620 sq-m special needs school accommodates six classrooms, a therapy space, a multi-purpose hall, a library and resource area, a staff lounge, a laundry and an administration area. It is situated on a very peaceful, beautifully landscaped site, which acts as an integral component of the design. "The design attempts to connect quietly to the landscape and to create spaces that evoke a sense of calm and peacefulness which is therapeutic for the students."Equ Leung, Workgroup Leader. To make the most of the site, Opus Architecture opted for extensive use of glass in the classrooms, ensuring visual connection with the surroundings. The notion of openness is also present in the sheltered courtyard, which brings rhythm to the overall design while providing cross ventilation through the building and natural lighting. ...Collapse

Made of Canadian cedar sourced from sustainable forestry. The buildings is oriented to the north to capture the sun throughout the day and includes deep verandah spaces which allow a useful amount of solar penetration and warmth in winter, while limiting solar gain in summer - solar glazing is also used where appropriate to minimise unwanted heat-gain. ...Collapse