Awarded 2013 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Country Division Commendation Public and Commercial Architecture – New category
The Year 6 classroom block is an adaptable learning environment, where on a day-to-day basis teachers and students can appropriate the various spaces in a way that is specific to the task and group size.
The main classroom volume is a space permeated by daylight and natural ventilation that can be divided into 3 separate spaces by operable walls or opened to become one large teaching space. A linear corridor-come-teaching space is the basis from which the three classrooms radiate. This space, flanked by large areas of glazed louvres provides a less formal extension to the classrooms.
Intimately scaled Withdrawal Areas are located at both ends that support a range of activities and group sizes. The design also incorporates a covered outdoor space that mediates the classrooms and surrounding playground, serving as an additional learning area as well as undercover recreational space.
Employing a range of contemporary low maintenance materials the design aims to be a distinctive addition to the existing School that is both cost effective and functional.