Marian College’s Innovative Campus Transformation: From Warehouse to Sustainable Learning Hub

After the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Marian College faced the challenge of rebuilding on a new site. Embracing innovation and sustainability, the school transformed an old manufacturing warehouse into a state-of-the-art campus.

Marian College has a rich history, originally opening in 1982. But, after suffering significant damage during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the school moved to a temporary site while plans to rebuild were developed. At the end of 2023, the new site was completed, and the college moved in.

Marian College is a Catholic high school for girls, year 9-13, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Furnware has been involved with the school for many years, collaborating to achieve inspiring spaces that support the best learning outcomes. The school strives to provide a holistic education, empowering their students to reach their potential.

The school’s new site was previously an old manufacturing warehouse, initially set for demolition to make way for the new campus. Then, a local architect proposed a brilliant idea: why not build the school within the existing warehouse structure? “We considered the possibility, and then it grew from there,” said Rachel.

This led to a unique and sustainable design, turning the project into one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. By building the new school within the warehouse, they were able to include classroom blocks, a gymnasium, indoor sports courts, a Chapel, covered common areas, and more, all while significantly reducing construction waste. This project truly embodied forward-thinking design, innovation and sustainability.

Furnware Account Manager, Ian Johnstone, collaborated closely with Principal, Mary-Lou, and Deputy Principal, Victoria Spencer, throughout the process. During initial discussions about furniture for the new site, Ian offered to complete an audit of their existing furniture, across the entire school, including classroom, tech, science, library, and admin spaces. This insight allowed them to make better informed purchasing decisions. From there, Ian suggested suitable products based on what they needed.

The school elected to keep their existing classroom furniture, which included items previously ordered from Furnware. To achieve a cohesive look, they sought help furnishing their textiles and food tech rooms, science rooms and staffroom as well. Following recommendations from Ian, the school opted for Alpha Desks, Bodyfurn Sled Chairs, Bodyfurn Lab Stools, and Gather High tables for the staffroom. The colour palette was kept simple with natural wood, silver, and dark blue tones, enhancing the sites existing biophilic elements.