Tauranga Girls’ College

A new chapter in learning environments has taken shape at Tauranga Girls’ College with the completion of the Puwhenua building redevelopment, a three-level facility that brings together form, function and cultural meaning through its interior finishes.

Central to the design is cultural patterning inspired by Māori heritage, which mirrors the stepped motifs of the perforated acoustic ceiling panels and reflects the school’s values and identity. This patterning provides a visual expression of progress, growth and achievement, connecting the interior design to the school’s ethos in a meaningful and respectful way. Custom-cut cultural patterns are featured at the building’s entrance and at the base of each stairway, creating continuity and a sense of place throughout the building.

Across the main teaching areas and corridors, a refined herringbone layout sets the tone, featuring Interface Human Nature Carpet Tiles HN810 Nickel, HN850 Nickel, HN840 Nickel and HN810 Limestone. Each level introduces its own accent colour, HN840 Custom Teal on Level 1, HN850 Custom Forest Green on Level 2 and HN850 Custom Green on Level 3, resulting in a calm yet dynamic aesthetic that ties the floors together while subtly distinguishing each learning zone.

The main entry showcases the cultural patterning through custom-cut inlays in Human Nature HN840 Custom Teal and HN810 Nickel. In the teachers’ resource rooms, a single HN810 Limestone tile laid in herringbone provides a subtle connection while maintaining consistency and flow throughout the building.

Durability and performance were key in functional areas. Forbo Marmoleum Real 3123 Arabesque was used in the Science Practical, Textile Technology and Visual Arts rooms, chosen for its natural composition, ease of maintenance and organic texture that complements the surrounding materials.

Bathrooms across all three levels feature Forbo Sphera Energetic in distinct colours, 50235 Deep Emerald on Level 1, 50219 Dolphin on Level 2 and 50215 Ebony on Level 3, providing highly durable, stain-resistant flooring ideal for laboratories, corridors and other high-traffic areas while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. In other wet and exposed splash zones on each level, Interface Brushed Lines LVT offers both safety and durability, with subtle colour variations that complement each floor: 171072 Celadon, 171662 Eucalyptus and 171072 Alabaster.

The staircase and lift connecting the three floors are finished in Interface Composure Neutrals in Steady, offering a soft texture and smooth transition between levels. Exterior entrances feature Forbo Coral Brush 5710 Asphalt Grey, forming a hardworking barrier that traps dirt and moisture to protect interior finishes.

Together, these elements create a cohesive material story that celebrates both culture and contemporary learning. The thoughtful integration of cultural patterning alongside durable and considered flooring solutions ensures the Puwhenua building is equipped for years of study and student life, providing a functional, inspiring and culturally connected environment for the college community.