With the school role now approaching 1,200 students, Strathallan College has come a long way since its establishment in 2001 and has gained a reputation for scholarship and excellence. To continue this excellence the construction of the new Arts and Technology building is seen as a fitting tribute to the hard work put in by the students.

Costing $5 million, sustainability was a key consideration in the architecturally designed addition to the Strathallan Campus. Sean Kisby of Beca Architecture says “the combination of specialised spaces, combined with considerable flexibility within the overall internal structure allows for a strong degree of future-proofing as requirements of space change over the years.”

The building utilises state of the art technology to climate control the vast spaces. The rooms are naturally ventilated and light creates a positive, healthy atmosphere for students to take full advantage of while learning. The building is strategically placed and has resulted in students gaining inspiration from resources in the surrounding environment, fostering creative thinking and innovative learning.

Alisha Wheeler, secretary of the student council advises “The serenity and ambience of this block is brilliant. The second you set foot in here you are blocked from any noise and commotion in the rest of the school. It is such a quiet and relaxing environment to work in. We no longer purely have picturesque views from our windows; we are part of the view. We are able to go outside and use the natural environment for inspiration; to draw from, paint from, and to photograph.”

With completion of the Arts and Technology Building being scheduled for later this year, Strathallan College will be proud of the continued success of students in New Zealand wide competitions such as the New Zealand Young Designers Awards.