Design guidance for school property

Access best practice design guidance for property at schools.

About design guidance

Design guidance is provided for a range of areas in schools that have specific requirements to ensure they are fit for purpose. These pages contain helpful insights and lessons learnt to support better property outcomes.

A broader range of guidance can be found in our designing schools in Aotearoa New Zealand (DSNZ) design standard.

Designing schools in Aotearoa New Zealand (DSNZ)

Accessible property for schools

As a board, you must meet the legal requirements for making your school accessible for students, their caregivers and staff with learning support needs.

Find information, guidance and legal requirements for making schools accessible.

Accessible property for schools

Bilingual signs for schools

Installing signs in both English and Māori promotes learning opportunities and encourages people to use te reo Māori.

Find the te reo Māori translations for common signs you can install in schools.

Bilingual signs for schools

Fencing at schools

We do not have a specific requirement for schools to be fenced, nor do we have mandatory standards that must be met if fences are installed (over and above building code). Installing fences at schools should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Find information and advice for installing and designing fences at schools.

Fencing at schools

Glass installed in schools

Glass can be a hazard at schools if it breaks. Boards need to manage this hazard, including knowing what kind of glass to install and what standards you need to comply with.

Find the different types of glass, the required standards and other maintenance advice for installing glass in your school.

Glass installed in schools

Roofing materials for school buildings

When your school is getting a new building, replacing a roof or reviewing the safety of your existing roofs, as a board you need to consider a range of factors that will help you choose the most suitable type of roofing material. Roofing must also be correctly installed.

Find resources, advice and guidelines for choosing, installing and working with roofing materials.

Roofing materials for school buildings

Security design in schools

Boards should consider a range of measures to increase security at your school. A designer can help you create safe school environments, and a security consultant can help you choose and operate a security system.

Find information and advice for schools about safe schools and security system requirements including CCTV cameras, lighting and more.

Security design in schools

Shade and shelter at schools

Providing weather protection is your responsibility as a board.

Find information about shelter from the weather, shade sails, verandas and further resources regarding shade support.

Shade and shelter structures at schools

Ventilation for school buildings

We support schools to maintain good ventilation in their spaces all year round.

Our advice to schools is to maximise fresh air ventilation capabilities as much as possible while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. This will reduce the risk of transmission of airborne illnesses.

Ventilation for school buildings

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