As part of the Ministry of Education Christchurch Rebuild Programme, Baldasso Cortese was commissioned to undertake the Master Planning and design services for Hillmorton High School.

The master plan was for an existing school to meet a roll of 2,000 high school students in years 7 through 13. The master planning process has taken into consideration the School’s ethnic diversity while raising its perception in the local community.

The design process has been inclusive of the school community including administration, teachers, parents, and students. The goal of the master plan has been to more than double the number of students while still making the school’s inclusive and caring community.

The scope includes works to existing buildings along with the design of a new 22 general learning space, purpose designed Middle School.

The Middle School building has been designed to be an exciting, invigorating space that is inclusive for all students. This included spaces for Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education and visually impaired students with 2 of the learning spaces being designed for Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education. The building has integrated visual warning systems for deaf students and although Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education have their own learning spaces they intend to participate in lessons with Hillmorton High Students also. Hillmorton have a great desire to be inclusive of all students. This was a driver to design the new landscaped pedestrian boulevard that directly connects to Upland block which is a Special Needs Unit onsite. The completion of the boulevard will be completed through the final master plan.

In addition to the new build Baldasso Cortese Noordanus are completing the structural strengthening and weathertight repairs to 5 existing blocks. This includes the Gym, Hall, Block D (Nelson Block), Block H (Cebus).

Photo Credit: Lightforge