Timaru Boys High School Harper Library Refurbishment

The existing library building had been experiencing significant water ingress, primarily due to failing internal perimeter gutters and associated wall buildouts. Investigations identified membrane failure within these concealed gutters and the cladding material contained some asbestos. Remediation was not viable without substantial risk so the extension was demolished and rebuilt.

The redevelopment provided an opportunity to bring the facility up to current Building Code and Ministry of Education standards. A new over-truss roof structure was installed over the main library, introducing adequate pitch and external guttering to eliminate reliance on internal gutters. The existing wall buildouts were reclad and appropriately flashed, while new double-glazed joinery was installed to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency. With the decommissioning of the school’s central boiler system, new heat pump systems were also introduced.

The replacement extension adopts a simplified rectangular form, improving spatial efficiency and enabling the inclusion of three additional classroom spaces by reconfiguring part of the existing library footprint. The new construction incorporates a warm roof system and low-maintenance aluminium cladding to ensure durability and reduced ongoing maintenance requirements.

During the building consent application Timaru District Council required stormwater attenuation where the impermeable area increased by 30m² or more. While most building projects in a residential zones simply install a rainwater tank, Timaru Boys’ High School wanted an alternative solution. We calculated and designed a rainwater garden to take up the additional rain water.

The Harper Library has been transformed into a modern, compliant, and resilient learning environment, designed to serve the school community effectively for the next 50 years.

Check out these before and after photos posted to our NB Architects Facebook Page