This Tasmanian project exemplifies how standard materials can be used innovatively for outstanding results under budgetary constraints. The student centre draws on the form-follows-function and space planning philosophies of the school’s famous original 1937 designer Sydney Blythe.

Materials used in the new building and its integration of indoor and outdoor spaces reflect change, while the palette extracts the varying reds of the surrounding masonry buildings.

IN BRIEF

Design a multi-functional student centre that includes spaces for gathering, socialising, cooking, dining and learning. Respond to the subtly sloping natural topography.

ARCHITECT’S WORDS

It was paramount for the school community to have ownership of the development. Integral to the design process were workshops we ran to understand and develop the culture of the school. The self-sufficient nature of the centre encourages after-hours community use and partnering opportunities.

To meet the brief, we created a variety of outdoor learning spaces that connect to internal learning areas. The Catering Kitchen links to the outdoor vegetable garden.

The Lower Student Centre can open to become seamlessly integrated with the external terraced amphitheatre for larger gatherings and community events. Beyond the brief we provided a new environment that promotes learning, social gathering and interaction rather than just ‘a building’.

Students love getting to school early to hang out at the cafe and the teachers are inspired to be creative in the delivery of their curriculum.

The General Learning Areas cater for multi-disciplinary activities through wireless technologies and the provision of wet areas. The development responds to the natural topography.

The predominantly single storeyed building uses the natural fall of the site to undulate towards the distinctive oval. The slope of the site is reflected in the roof form, lifting up where the volume increases for activity nodes within the building. The roof extent also optimises the surface area for water harvesting.

Other sustainable principles include energy efficient fittings, Australian-made materials, low VOC materials, water saving fittings, natural ventilation, naturally lit interiors and sun-shading. Any cut to the site was used for fill.

Concrete slabs are exposed for thermal mass. The hard landscaping terraces the topography, providing cost-effective seating and creating an amphitheatre. A challenge was to create a building that connected directly to its surrounding landscape and provided equitable access while still having a presence between the two storey buildings adjacent.

ACCOLADES

• Australian Institute of Architects’ 2011 Tasmanian Architecture Awards
• Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture 2011

PRODUCTS

CEMENT SHEET
CSR CEMINTEL, COMMERCIAL + RESIDENTIAL EXPRESSWALL SYSTEM
DULUX, CLADDING COLOURS

POWDERCOAT COLOURS
DULUX, SHOJI WHITE + MONUMENT 

CARPET TILES
SIGNATURE FLOOR COVERINGS
GODFREY HIRST AUSTRALIA

FLOOR VINYL
TARKETT AUSTRALIA, SAFETRED UNIVERSAL
ARMSTRONG NYLEX ACCOLADE SAFE PLUS

KITCHEN SINKS/BASINS
MEDHURST EQUIPMENT, HAND WASH BASIN 
MEDHURST EQUIPMENT, GEMZ WALL MOUNT PRE-RINSE UNIT
HANSA, POLO SINK MIXER
BRAYCO SATIN STAINLESS STEEL BENCH AND SINKS CLARK BENCHMARK 930 SINGLE END BOWL
CLARK, QUATRO 1120 1.75 END BOWL
CLARK, CORNER 1.25 SSS SINK

AMENITIES
CAROMA, OPALL II FACED TOILET SUITE
CAROMA, LIANO HAND WALL BASIN WITH OVERFLOW

LAUNDRY
CLARK, SINGLE 70L FLUSHLINE TUB