The Three Wakas, Green School

BUILD

The design of the Green School NZ campus is a remarkable fusion of sustainability, architectural ingenuity, and cultural respect. The floating classroom pods, perched on nets, offer a playful yet strikingly innovative concept. Designed by Boon Architects, these pods not only capture the imagination but also embody a philosophy of accessibility, inclusivity, and minimal environmental impact. The design delicately connects the learning spaces to the earth, yet with a lightness and sensitivity that speaks to its purpose—respecting the land while fostering an open, welcoming environment for learning. The pods’ design seamlessly aligns with New Zealand’s building codes and weather-tightness standards, ensuring the structure’s longevity and performance.

The project was ambitious, with a bold timeline set to welcome students for their first intake in 2020. The waka-like, organic shapes of the classrooms posed a challenge, encouraging the team to rethink traditional construction methods. Through this creative process, a space that is uniquely Aotearoa was born—one that embraces the future of education and nurtures generations of students poised to become change-makers. These classrooms are more than just physical spaces; they serve as a hub for students to explore cultural narratives, foster connections with the community, and honor the presence of mana whenua. The design embodies a dialogue between the built environment and the world around it, with each element contributing to the evolving story of the school and its surroundings.

At the heart of the design philosophy is a deep commitment to sustainability. For the Green School NZ campus, sustainability goes beyond material choices—it’s about the building’s long-term performance. The design integrates passive measures, utilizing natural ventilation, daylight, and optimal sun orientation to reduce energy consumption. High-level insulation, vapor barriers, and underfloor heating ensure the waka classrooms maintain a stable temperature, minimizing the need for artificial heating.

Fabric Structures was tasked with providing an outer skin for the three pod-like classrooms—a membrane that would function as an aesthetic cladding while also acting as a ventilated thermal barrier. The goal was to reduce heat absorption, contributing to the overall sustainability of the structure by minimizing operational costs and supporting the school’s “green” label. The membrane had to blend harmoniously with the environment while being recyclable and environmentally responsible, with a focus on reducing wastage of non-recyclable materials.

The complexity of the project lay in the organic shape of the structures and the materials used. The glulam timber beams created large on-site tolerances, requiring custom steel fittings for each structure. This necessitated 3D digitizing to design and construct the membranes, adding another layer of intricacy. The high stretch of the fabric, paired with the unique form of the classrooms, required staged tensioning over several weeks to ensure the perfect fit.

The final result is a stunning, organic aesthetic that blends effortlessly into the landscape, enhancing the natural beauty of the site. The membrane solution provided not only complements the architecture but also elevates the environment in which the pods stand, offering an inviting, sustainable space for learning.

The Green School Pods are a testament to Fabric Structures' expertise in complex membrane design. This project allowed us to showcase the aesthetic and functional advantages of fabric in architecture while contributing to a high-profile project that aligns with the values of sustainability, innovation, and education.