NOLLAMARRA WA

2007

This school is growing out of the bitumen, bricks and mortar of a 1960’s state school site with little natural vegetation. A Master Plan was completed in 2007  provides for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and new buildings to transform the site.

Substantial progress has been made with creative landscaping and the gestures and colours of the new classrooms and kindergartens. A membrane shade canopy over a timber stage helps break the rigidity of the old corner and provides an al fresco performance space for the whole school. It is a good example of how in the absence of natures’ vital forces, an artistic design approach can be uplifting to the spirit.

The two kindergarten rooms (BER funded) are oriented across the site and share a generous entry verandah, which becomes an “outdoor covered playroom”. The building needed to sit comfortably in a suburban streetscape whilst connecting to the main campus at the rear. Each room has a bay window “stage” as well as kitchen, craft and movement areas.

Semi-transparent lasure painted surfaces create a harmonious atmosphere and the innovative use of ventilations systems, wall insulation and thermal mass modulates temperature fluctuations.