In 1977, the Penrose "Whanau House" evolved from a need for new school buildings and an examination of professional needs in secondary education. A group of 25 administrators and personnel affirmed that New Zealand secondary schools should be neighbourhood and comprehensive. Social and community interaction should be stressed, and there should be emphasis on reducing anonymity, on improving teacher-student relationships, and on facilitating teaching and learning through flexibility in teaching approach. To accomplish these goals, the group proposed a home base, called a "Whanau House," which would provide for 250 students. House design consisted of five classrooms, two seminar rooms, a resource room, and a staff planning area grouped around a common room. The house was to be"home" for students and teachers, and teachers were to spend much non-teaching time there. A department commissioned research team is still monitoring the trial because it will take at least three years to collect adequate evidence. There is better and more relaxed contact between students and staff and evidence that learning has improved. Data indicates good student socialization and responsibility. The trial emphasizes the importance of teacher education and preparation for changed roles. Whether building design can induce desired educational practice or merely make good education easier to provide remains to be seen. (CM)