Ahutoetoe School, Milldale | Jacobsen NZ Flooring

Ahutoetoe School opened its doors for Term 1 of 2024 as the first primary school in Milldale, a fast-growing community on Auckland’s North Shore. Designed by ASC Architects and managed by Beca, the project was constructed by Form Building and Development.

The school was developed from a proven reference design and tailored to create inclusive, adaptable learning environments that accommodate the needs of all students, including those attending the Wairau Valley Special School and Northern Health School units.

At the heart of the Ahutoetoe School design is a recognition that all students learn differently and that schools must evolve with society to support this diversity. The outcome is a thoughtfully integrated campus of three learning blocks: a main two-storey flexible learning environment and two single-level specialty learning units.

A strong sense of connection and integration is fostered through a central lane linking buildings and covered walkways, enhancing movement and collaboration across the school. Break-out spaces, outdoor learning areas and a shared creative maker space ensure that both core curriculum and exploratory learning needs are met.

The administration block, which also houses a large multi-purpose hall, serves as a central civic presence. This space can be used after hours for community gatherings and sporting events, reinforcing the school’s role within the broader Milldale community.

The design ethos prioritised flexibility, inclusiveness and long-term durability –incorporating materials and layouts that support reconfiguration and low maintenance throughout the building’s lifespan.

Jacobsen was proud to supply flooring solutions that matched the project’s emphasis on durability, flexibility and inclusivity.

Entryways & Common Areas:
Shaw Contract’s Welcome II entry matting was installed in entryways, common areas and classrooms. With a rough-textured surface designed to trap up to 80% of dirt and moisture, these tiles significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls while extending the lifespan of interior flooring.
Classrooms and Library:
Desso’s Desert carpet tiles were used throughout classrooms and the library. A neutral grey base was accented with blue and green tones to create a calming yet dynamic learning environment. The subtly layered, organic texture of Desert provides a feeling of openness and encourages creative layout possibilities.
Staff Room:
The staff room features the same neutral grey carpet tiles, complemented by cool-toned furniture and light timber finishes, creating a restorative space for teachers and staff.
Multi-purpose Sports Hall:
Tarkett’s Primo Premium in black was selected for the sports hall, installed over Regupol 3mm rubber acoustic underlay for sound absorption. Primo Premium is designed for heavy-traffic environments like education facilities, offering high durability and easy maintenance with a reinforced PUR surface.
Specialty and Support Areas:
Other Tarkett solutions, including Primo SD, Granit Safe.T and Traffic 250, were used across specialist teaching spaces and service areas. Acoustic performance was enhanced with 3mm Sonus Multi underlay in key areas, ensuring quieter, more comfortable learning environments.