Giant light-boxes suffuse interiors with indirect,
ambient daylight. Despite its deep plan,
informal study and meeting spaces always
appear beautifully lit. Timber panelling adds
to the design’s non-institutional appeal.
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“I’ve always been of the belief that schools of the 21st century
are still organised along 19th century lines. One of the great
advantages we have here, is that we have kindergarten to
year 12 on one campus. I wanted us to create a learning
facility that enabled students to learn right alongside each
other.” He notes that the project’s inclusive qualities are
right for “a central space right in the heart of the school
for the whole community to gather”.
Another of the centre’s achievements is the control of noise
of which Gipson says there is very little spill despite the
open spaces. “If there is a design feature that succeeds
in this building then noise attenuation is it.”
Classrooms pinwheel from the central staircase and
‘amphitheatre’ as auditorium. Centrally located as
the building’s heart and a double-height volume with
large rectangular light boxes above, the space feels
conversational, never monumental.
The staircase presents as an armature or spindle that
branches, treehouse-like, to the various disciplines.
The top floor is primarily library and administration –
sunbathed in winter months and shielded in summer
by a broad blade ea