Synergine was engaged by the Ministry of Education to masterplan Silverdale School to grow to accommodate 1200 students. The school is a Decile 10 Primary School with a roll of 735 students in July 2019. The school’s growth trajectory will require an additional 12 teaching spaces initially and 8 more when the school grows to its Masterplan roll of 1200.

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Silverdale School has a unique genus loci or sense of place; it is located close to native bush, the ocean and a growing community. The bush-clad site creates interesting opportunities unique to Silverdale School and investigation was undertaken as part of the masterplan to determine how these aspects can be utilised and integrated into the design. The masterplan layout envisages that the design of the new classroom blocks will use the school’s existing architectural language and integrate all new buildings into the existing school and its varied landscape. 

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A key aspect of the scope was to establish the framework for the site and key areas of future development whilst also ensuring that the school site can evolve over time. Our vision was to create a masterplan that incorporated the school’s practical needs in tandem with creating a holistic vision for the school community that included a strong sense of ownership and sense of identity.

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Currently, as part of the growth programme, Synergine is designing 12 roll growth teaching spaces along with the associated infrastructure and outdoor spaces required to support this increase. We are the lead consultant and are managing the full consultant team, directing and integrating their inputs into the design. We are also responsible for the Outline Plan of Works and Building Consent documentation, including responding to RFI’s from Council. The Ministry is using an Early Contractor Engagement procurement strategy for this project, an approach we have significant experience with.