Overview
New architecturally designed classroom block, supporting continued growth of the School.
Located in Hamilton East, Marian Catholic School caters for 650 children in years 1 to 8. With a history dating back to 1889, Marian is the largest full primary Catholic school in NZ.
About the project
The two-storey building adds six new classrooms to the campus, with breakout and kitchen spaces on each level.
Constructed using CLT (cross laminated timber) beams, columns and suspended floors, the building combines traditional weatherboards with modern vertical shiplap cladding. A large first-floor canopy, incorporating structural steel and treated timber, provides covered circulation between buildings.
The project presented several construction challenges, including the building’s distinctive zig-zag form and the need to coordinate works within an operational school. A key feature is the first-floor timber bridge connecting the new building to existing classroom blocks. Staging, access and safety was carefully managed to minimise disruption to staff and students.
Additional works included new bathroom facilities and 19 carparks, plus demolition of an existing classroom building to prepare the site for future school developments.
The completed facility delivers modern, flexible teaching spaces that support contemporary learning and strengthen the school’s long-term campus environment.
2026
320m2
$3.1M
Client testimonial
For School Property Manager Vicki Fabling, the completion of St Theresa’s Block met a few objectives – it replaced single storey buildings with a two-storey block, creating more space on campus and enabling the school role to grow by another 50 students.
The School is one of 33 local Waikato and Bay of Plenty schools that Vicki manages: overseeing capital maintenance, modernisation and upgrade works.
“Fosters won this job with a competitive tender price,” said Vicki. “They then mobilised very quickly for us, putting an efficient programme in place.
“The level of experience in the Fosters team was very evident. Taking a highly collaborative, ‘can do’ approach, they worked to overcome challenges rather than highlight issues.
“I also noted Fosters' focus on delivering the contract and avoiding variations as far as possible” she said. "Keeping to budget is always a key consideration for me, so having their support on that was ideal.
“Importantly, the final product is fantastic, and our students and teachers love their new learning environment.”
“I noted Fosters' focus on delivering the contract and avoiding variations as far as possible.”
Vicki Fabling, Catholic Schools Property Manager, Catholic Diocese of Hamilton