New Shoots Children's Centre

Kerikeri One Ltd

Auckland, New Zealand

New Shoots Children’s Centre is a purpose-built, architecturally designed pre-school development in Greenhithe, on Auckland’s North Shore.

The elegant complex is made up of three separate pods – designed to cater for three children’s age groups – linked by a triangular central courtyard.

Large windows and verandas are strong elements of the buildings’ design, and outdoor play areas feature plants, shrubs and trees; spacious play decks; slides and sandpits. The rejuvenation of a neighbouring pond allows children the opportunity to connect with the local landscape and wildlife, including protected lizards and birds.

Our client Kerikeri One Limited had a clear vision for stylish, sustainable Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) buildings, and in mid-2018 selected Calibre Built Environment as structural design lead based on our strong experience in the delivery of CLT developments. In the design lead role, our team worked with the architect Copeland Associates Architects Ltd through a number of design iterations to develop the structural form of the complex. We also took a proactive and accommodating approach to working with other consultants and contractors, addressing and resolving questions or queries as early as possible so that agreed engineering and design solutions could be speedily implemented.


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Our team worked closely with the architect, geotechnical consultants KGA Consulting, civil consultants Chesters and Peak Construction to ensure the drawings, architectural finishes and connections between buildings fulfilled the client’s vision of a high quality, visually attractive and picturesque pre-school location.


The Calibre team kept us well-informed and engaged in the design and construction process every step of the way. We’re extremely pleased with our beautiful childcare centre, which directly reflects our organisational vision and values and provides a fun, exciting and vibrant place for children to play, learn and grow.

Chloe Forsman, Design and Development Manager