Pet project

From BlackWhite magazine - issue 09, gold standard

The state-of-the-art facility changing the way students learn about veterinary sciences.

There are plenty of fields of study where theoretical learning might be sufficient enough to ready you for a career. But in the field of veterinary medicine, hands-on experience is as critical as academic knowledge. In the same way that advancements in technology are impacting treatments that doctors are able to offer humans, this is also true for animal patients. Being able to learn the skills that veterinary medicine demands in a state-of-the-art technical facility offers students unparalleled access to the latest advancements in medical technology, diagnostic tools and treatment methods. By working with cutting-edge equipment and experiencing real-world clinical scenarios, aspiring veterinarians are able to gain the level of confidence and competence in a context that mirrors the demands of a true-to-life modern veterinary practice. Not only will graduates be well-equipped to provide high-quality care, diagnose complex cases and adopt emerging practices as they advance in their careers, they can ensure better outcomes for the wellbeing of pets and agricultural animals alike.

Before the construction of the Tāwharau Ora | School of Veterinary Science (SoVS) Student Learning Complex, Massey University already had the reputation of being a world-class veterinary school. But since replacing outdated classrooms with highly-technical new teaching and research facilities, they have further advanced what their students are able to learn and achieve. Benchmarking against other world-leading international vet schools, Lab-works Architecture and CCM Architects collaborated on a design that would ensure that the University could maintain its international accreditations and continue to compete in the upper echelons of veterinary education. Since the project's completion, the updated learning complex has quickly gained recognition as a flagship learning environment, which is sure to draw both domestic and international students to complete their degree in an unparalleled technical setting.

By undertaking a new build, the University was also afforded the opportunity to reconfigure the urban context of their teaching campus. The new facility, which sits on a prominent corner of the main campus ring road, turns heads with an open frontage and orange details that invite students into the SoVS. Inside, they're met with an exciting welcoming space that fosters collaboration and a collegiate atmosphere. Softer natural materials such as timber juxtapose against a palette of bold and engaging Resene paint colours and teal panelling. As students make their way through the building, a restrained use of specialist materials is combined with intelligent and flexible spatial design to future-proof the facilities. The back of the building, which houses private and sensitive activities, is shielded by a faceted precast concrete frieze while the active edges of the glazed façade celebrate teaching animal health by putting science on display. Using the design as a vehicle, Massey University's relationship with the region's mana whenua (people of the land) has also been embedded within the building's fabric – ushering in a new era of mutual understanding and respect.

Tāwharau Ora was gifted its name by Associate Professor Pukenga Reo Hone Morris and the Māori Language Advisory Group. The name encapsulates the school's aim of being a place of wellbeing, healing and rediscovery for animals, but also staff and students. "Tāwharau can be translated as shelter or haven and the meaning of Ora includes health, safe, recover and heal," says Veterinary Science Senior Lecturer Eloise Jillings.

CCM Architects had previously worked with Massey University on the design of their School of Engineering, Campus Development Plan and Business School – and having that familiarity with the client and a firm understanding of their goals helped guide the design team's solution. "It was important to create a new benchmark for the University that not only achieved a level of technical excellence but was also unique, striking and attracted world-class talent," says CCM Architects' Director and Project Architect Guy Cleverley. "This complex project, which involved multiple stages and temporary configurations, was designed to be constructed in such a manner as to ensure the University's operational capacity was not compromised during the demolition of the existing post-mortem facility and the construction. Designing a building with such a specific function and criteria that needed to be met, colour became a tool we could use to overcome project restraints that took a higher priority."

Together, Lab-works Architecture and CCM Architects focused on specifying Resene colours that would enhance the building's architectural features and create a striking front-of- house space. On the exterior, vibrant orange Resene Pizazz was selected to highlight the entry points into the facility, which contrasts sharply against the dark, textured façade that features cladding painted in Resene CoolColour Tundora and soffits in Resene Sea Fog. Inside the front entryway, Resene Coast accents the architectural datums and angles while referencing the familiar blue of the Massey University emblem. A backdrop in Resene Double Black White – the general wall colour used throughout the facility – softens the expanse of the larger spaces and allows the bolder Resene Coast and Resene Pizazz details to stand out. Resene Baltic Sea, used on doors and feature skirting boards, was the perfect darker hue to complement the interior's aluminium profiles. As the students transition from the entry into the teaching and technical spaces, Resene Double Black White becomes more prominent to reflect the clinical use of these areas. And yet, the colour's slight pigmentation feels soothing rather than stark.

"The Resene colour selections were a critical factor in achieving project excellence – particularly in how they elevate and accentuate the architectural features throughout the design," explains Guy. "These colours have gifted the Student Learning Complex with a unique and bold identity while harmoniously balancing with the natural tones of the timber joinery, concrete-effect tiles and teal-toned panels."

Out of the building's many striking features, the colours used for the entry stand out as Guy's favourite element. "People seem to say I like orange, but the blue ceiling in Resene Coast with the complementary orange of Resene Pizazz on the entry really has a bit of 'joie de vivre'," he says. "The safety aspect of the orange sectional slide-over doors also provides good visibility and coherence to the changing room entrance. The orange paint with the orange glass and blue window at the main entry looks really sharp. The window was designed to turn the corner as well as being a window for a display, which is visible to both pedestrians and vehicles travelling along University Avenue," he says.

Guy and his team have long been specifying Resene products for educational facilities and he remains a big fan of the classics. "Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I think the best Resene tools are the BS5252 and Resene The Range Multi-finish colour charts. I also appreciate that Resene specifications are accurate and easy to provide to builders."

Matt Taylor, General Manager South for Hawkins, oversaw the construction of the SoVS and says his team is proud of the finished product. "It's a nice mix of technically challenging aspects with lots of exposed services reticulation in the labs, stuff we don't get the opportunity to do very often like animal pens, as well as the architecturally-appealing building envelope and internal student common spaces. Lab projects are always challenging because they're highly technical in nature and their success is reliant on the quality of the finished build."

Matt adds that teamwork and communication were instrumental to delivering the project successfully. "We focused on ensuring we started coordinating the works as early as possible and sought to involve the architects, engineers, subcontractors and the client in a collaborative process so that we had a firm understanding of the outcome expectations right from project kick-off and maintained open communication throughout. Everyone bought into this process, which resulted in an excellent end product that the entire team is proud of. We really enjoyed working with Massey University and the design and engineering teams. We've done several projects together now and we value their commitment to a well-designed and well-run project."

Guy Cleverley's top tip

"When specifying paint and wood stains for education projects, make sure the colours are cohesive but not institutional."

› To learn more about the Tāwharau Ora | School of Veterinary Science Student Learning Complex, visit www.massey.ac.nz.

Colours mentioned in this article...

Products mentioned in this article...

Design: Lab-works Architecture, CCM Architects
Build: Hawkins
Painting: Gary Dyer Painters and Decorators Ltd
Engineering: WSP (building services), Calibre Consulting (structural and civil)
Images: Paul McCredie

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