After completing the refurbishment of the school's library in 2010 using the Trespa Meteon Profix TS20 and TS35 systems, James Cook High School chose to use it again for their recently refurbished gymnasium.

John Durkin, Director of Abri Architects, designed both the library and the stunning new gymnasium and explains why they used Trespa with the TS35 Profix System again: "We had been happy with the performance of the product on the previous job and the school especially was very pleased with the way it retains its good looks and is easy to maintain."

Abri Architects and the school also liked Trespa's "range of colours... the fact that it is a weathertight system rather than just a sheet cladding that requires further detailing (and therefore risk) and its ability to be used in various size formats."

The library is now four years old and the school found the building has functioned very well for them during this time.  John Durkin explains, “It still looks new and most people wouldn't believe it is four years now since construction.  The project added some much needed colour to the school, and the building has not been 'tagged' which indicates the students have been able to identify with it.  We think this is because the use of colour and pattern gives the building personality and represents the way the school is moving forward and embracing its unique cultural mix.

“There have been some great comments on the new gymnasium including that it is bold – with the use of a patchwork of colour eliciting much comment that has been very much welcomed.  In the sometimes institutional landscape that school buildings find themselves in, colour and pattern are a good way of showing off a school’s personality," said John.

Abri Architecture and James Cook High School are keen to use Trespa again. "It is of real benefit because it is a proven cladding system, not just a rain-screen approach. The peace of mind that comes from a supplier/installer team approach to give "clean" warranties is very much a part of the future for architects in New Zealand’s quite litigious landscape, " believes John. 

Overall John Durkin and the school found the Trespa experience was quite straightforward and unremarkable which they liked.  Overall John summarised: "They were aware of timelines and installation times and the installers were excellent.  Nice and easy."