Education

-The Westbreen Primary School Submission gave 1:1 Architects the opportunity to reconsider modern learning settings and explore typologies where new ways of learning may occur. With an increasing folio of educational projects, spaces that inspire learning are increasingly important for our studio.

-In the continually changing nature of education, through technology, social integration and cultural diversity, it seemed appropriate to engage with a flexible and adaptable typology. This was initially explored through the form of a hexagon as a clear and precise model for connecting and isolating activities at the same time.

– This project involved alterations and extensions to an existing preschool set within a beautiful parkland area in Surrey Hills.

– The brief included accommodation for an additional 22 children along with a new maternal and child health centre. This resulted in the provision of a new playroom, staff room facilities, amenities, storage and a general upgrade to all services.

– A simple extension of the brick structure is wrapped with dark painted tongue and groove cladding to define the new addition whilst responding sympathetically to existing conditions.

– The new playroom is a light-filled and open space that features high level clerestory windows, ample built in storage with feature coloured recesses, and a playful arrangement of pendant lights and acoustic panels.

– The maternal and child health wing features a new consulting suite that overlooks the surrounding parkland, and a generous waiting room, both of which incorporate bright colours in the joinery, carpet and wall coverings.

-This project came about from the creation of a new workshop at RMIT called the CNC Furniture Cell. The workshop is intended to teach students about industry practices and give them operational skills with CNC machines.

-The relocation of complex and sensitive machinery, along with the upgrade of building services to accommodate the new equipment, required a thoughtful and meticulous design regarding waste, safety and loading.

-An existing computer lab was demolished creating a large unobstructed space that could fit the new equipment comfortably. All major equipment sits around the perimetre of the room centralising the assemblance area and ensuring that adequate working area is allowed for all processes.

-The palette of materials was very simple and was inspired directly by the new equipment and machinery branding. The green of the Biesse machines and the yellow of the Millsom Hoist complemented the existing timber panelling to provide a clean industrial space for the users.

-The project was a refurbishment of existing classrooms and a student lounge on Level 03 of Building 70 as well as the addition of a computer lab.

-We also relocated a timber workshop and classroom to Level 02 of Building 70 and completed  rectification works. to the roof of the building. The works were done for the School of Engineering (Tafe) and were overseen by Property Services.

-All of the spaces contained new AV projection equipment.

-The project required close consultation with staff and users to maximise usibilty and enjoyment.

-An initial feasibility study for the workshop investigated the specific equipment required, in order to create an understanding of the difficulties and possibilities posed by a potential relocation.

-The final design created bright and open spaces for students and staff to interact and learn practically as well as academically.

– This project is at Charles Sturt University’s beautiful Thurgoona campus. Three new accommodation buildings were constructed as residences for Post Graduate students, along with recreational facilities, general landscaping, and extended car parking.

– The sporting precinct comprises one multi-purpose court, one half-court, a steel-framed open shelter, a roofed bleacher facility, a grass playing field, landscaping and paths.

– The accommodation buildings are formed by a repetition of modular units, minimising costs and resources and maximising the ease of construction and maintenance.