PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
The buildings and the classrooms have been designed to make an
architectural statement that takes full advantage of the site and the
exceptional natural views of the wetland and the floodplain.
that takes full advantage of the site and the
exceptional natural views of the wetland and
the floodplain. The pods were created as
one of the playful aspects of the design and
in response to the idea of a separate space
within the classroom, modelled on a reading
nook observed in a classroom in a Melbourne
school. The architects took this simple
concept and created a unique and groundbreaking design that creates a special area in
each classroom that can be a quiet space or a
small group collaborative space.
The building celebrates the site not only
through the vistas but also the perforated
metal design that flows through the stair
wells and most notably envelops the link area
break-out space between the Year 5 and 6
classrooms. The artwork draws inspiration
from the natural surroundings of the
vegetation and the river.
Head of Preparatory School’s office is not
accidental.
A key aspect of our purpose is inspiring
students. Whilst this refers to what we as
educators do, the building complements
this through inviting and engaging spaces
making use of natural light and the warm
and clever use of colour. The landscaping
is equally impressive and drew upon strong
feedback from students and staff that it
be a playful space and one that clearly
announces that it is a child’s space. The
nature play elements bring a degree of
natural irregularity and natural materials
and elements back into the play area. It
is a space that inspires imagination and
interaction with the environment. The
proximity of the sensational new slide to the
The project incorporates recent
advancements in learning and building
technologies. Highly flexible classroom
spaces are equipped with projection and
audio and touch screen displays, whilst
a Building Management System (BMS)
automates climate control – operating
windows to allow for pre-cooling and
night purging of spaces. The building also
includes a seven kilowatt solar array to
offset energy use throughout the day.
If you would like to arrange a tour
of our new Preparatory School,
please contact our Registrar,
Mrs Tamara Laurito, on 9377 9247 or
email [email protected]
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