In the picturesque coastal suburb of Redcliff’s, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand, a remarkable architectural project has unfolded. After the 2011 earthquake, there were concerns about the safety of the cliffs and surrounding suburbs of Redcliff Primary School. Te Raekura Redcliff School was saved and rebuilt at a new site across from its original location, resulting in a modern and sustainable facility. This was all thanks to the relentless efforts of the local community and school board. Redcliff Primary School holds a very important role in the community as it brought the community together and allowed children to be able to walk to school. Tennent Brown Architects in collaboration with a talented team of consultants, played a pivotal role in creating a design that not only met the Ministry of Education’s guidelines but also embraced the unique identity and natural surroundings of the Redcliff area.

In their pursuit of creating a visually appealing and practical learning environment, Tennent Brown Architects opted for Forbo's Sphera vinyl flooring in bathroom and kitchen areas. Forbo's Sphera collection provided a vibrant and durable solution, perfectly suited for these high-traffic spaces. With its colourful palette and playful designs, Sphera added an extra layer of interest to the overall design, harmonising with the surrounding elements and enlivening the atmosphere. Interface's Aerial collection made a striking impression on the stairs and throughout the Redcliff School. Drawing inspiration from nature, Aerial intertwined shades of reds, greens, and blues, creating a captivating tapestry of colours to interconnect the various learning spaces. Interface and Forbo's collections allowed for endless design possibilities and gave a sense of movement and energy to the school's environment.

Redcliff’s Primary School embraces four core values, symbolised by feathers, each representing a distinct colour, Manaakitanga (yellow), Responsibility (blue), Excellence (red), and Resilience (orange). These values are reflected in Interface’s Aerial Collection, using the same shades to seamlessly integrate with different areas of the school. Just as feathers symbolise knowledge and excellence, these vibrant colours bring to life the spirit and achievements of Redcliff’s Primary School tamariki.

Tennent Brown Architects emphasised the importance of collaborating closely with the school representatives and the Ministry of Education. Through extensive engagement and VR experiences, the design team gained valuable insights into the school's requirements, functional needs, and cultural significance. The new school not only celebrated the unique identity of the Redcliffs community but also incorporated salvaged items of significance from the original site, establishing a profound connection between the past and the present.

Redcliffs Primary School was designed with a focus on environmental sustainability and future adaptability. Tennent Brown Architects prioritised sustainable materials using Interface's carbon-neutral carpet tiles and Forbo's phthalate-free Sphera vinyl. The master plan accounted for future growth, allowing for the accommodation of additional students, and providing facilities for the wider community.

The successful transformation of Te Raekura Redcliffs Primary School stands as a testament to the collaboration between Tennent Brown Architects, the Ministry of Education, and the Redcliffs community. This innovative educational facility not only provides a thriving program of learning for children but also preserves the cultural legacy of the area. The choice of flooring materials, including Forbo's Sphera and Interface's Aerial, contributed to the school's aesthetic appeal, functionality, and commitment to sustainability. As the Redcliffs School embraces a new chapter in its history, it stands as a shining example of how architecture and design can positively impact communities and create inspiring spaces for future generations.

Congratulations to Tennent Brown Architects on this incredible result and thank you for choosing Flooring by Interface and Forbo Flooring Systems.