St Joseph’s new classrooms win architecture award

WelCom September 2020

Two new classrooms designed and constructed for St Joseph’s School in Nelson have won the Education section of the 2020 Nelson/Marlborough Regional Architecture Awards.

The new classroom block has been added to St Joseph’s School due to growth in the Nelson-Richmond area. Completed late last year, the block was designed and managed by Gerard McDonnell of Create Architects of Nelson. Gerard’s winning work for best design in the ‘Education’ section of the local Regional Architecture Awards, has earned him access to the 2020 National Architecture Awards. 

Principal Chris Gladstone said that St Joseph’s School is ‘truly blessed’. 

‘Late last year we moved into our two new fabulous classrooms complete with a breakout space. From the beginning, Gerard consulted with us, listened to our ideas, went with us to explore learning spaces in other schools and then created the masterpiece we now have. 

‘Our staff and tamariki are so grateful to be working in such a special space. We would also like to thank Sarita Smit and Ian Rattray from the Archdiocese of Wellington’s School Property Team for supporting and helping us with this journey.’

Sarita Smit, Archdiocesan Property Manager, said, ‘The results of this project are a very good example of school and parish working together to create this contemporary building sitting in the heart of the campus.’

Chris added, ‘Do feel free to visit and join the steady stream of people who come and view the classrooms to gain ideas for their new builds.’